It’s my favourite time of year! It’s time to shed what wasn’t working for you in 2017, and set some attainable goals for 2018. Whether you do the whole New Year’s Resolution thing or not, I still say, if you can make just one small change now, it has the capacity to affect big change in your life. That small change can even be a new perspective! In fact, it has to start with a new perspective. What are some of the self-destructive thoughts you need to shed from 2017? It’s time to replace those thoughts with a positive, self-loving perspective that you deserve to feel good.
Have you heard that saying, “You are what you eat?” Well, I like to think of it more like, “You only feel as good as your last meal.” Because, the truth is, eating a whole food diet will indeed improve your mood.
Speaking of diets, when are we going to stop the dieting? The word diet in itself has such a negative connotation…in fact, it raises my cortisol levels just thinking about it. Which by the way, is increasing my blood sugar levels, releasing insulin, and will create a slew of metabolic imbalances in the body that may lead to much more serious health issues if this continues! So, what is the solution? Balance of course. Balance is the key to life.
I love this quote and am often reminded of it when I slip into my own struggles:
After observing O Sensei, the founder of Aikido, sparring with an accomplished fighter, a young student said to the master, “You never lose your balance. What is the secret?”
“You are wrong,” replied O Sensei. “I am constantly losing my balance. My skill lies in my ability to regain it.”
Balance is a skill. And like anything in life, this takes practice. And time. Ugh. TIME. But it shouldn’t be difficult. It’s just gaining a new skill, where the results will surface in good time. And by then, it will be just another habit. A darn good one to make you feel proud!
This is the time of year everyone is trying the next best diet. Some diets may provide quick results for people, temporarily, but only to gain more weight back after a few months. Crash dieting is not meant to last, and truthfully keeps the nutrition industry thriving! Holistic Nutrition is about whole health nutrition. It should be our basic human right diet (but that’s a whole other blog topic!). It comes down to the basics…eat more vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains (if your body allows for it). Add more of what you know you are not eating enough of, before you start eliminating entire food groups. Elimination is done best under the guidance of a qualified health professional who can provide you with support and encouragement.
So it’s time to fill your bowl full of goodness! And stop the endless cycle of yo-yo dieting. February is my clean up month. It’s time to clean up all those things that aren’t working for me. Join me in February for a complete overhaul (step by step, of course) and start implementing lasting change. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you.
~ Sannya Benson, Holistic Nutrition Consultant