This started out as a simple Happy New Year wish, but is anyone else as frustrated as I am?
I’m a Health Coach, so maybe I’m not supposed to admit this, but this is what happened...I went to put on my favorite jeans and they weren’t nearly as comfortable as they used to be. I had to do the “suck in the gut to zip them up” routine! You know that feeling, when you dread putting on a pair of pants because you know they’re going to remind you that you’ve gained some weight. It made me stop and think about what’s going on right now and reevaluate what I’ve been doing over the last few weeks. I thought I was doing well in my new COVID stay-at-home routine, but then the holidays hit.
Maybe this is just another consequence of the “Year of COVID”? The year of social distancing and quarantining, missing lifetime events and get-togethers with family and friends during the holidays? Is my behavior just another way of compensating for all the things I’ve been missing this year?
This is what’s been happening.
This holiday season, I’ve been allowing myself that extra serving or dessert or cookie, or (insert more indulgent foods here). In the past, I would be able to stay clear, knowing that the gratification would be fleeting and just trigger more cravings for more - a vicious circle. In the past, eating a well-rounded diet with lots of vegetables and fruits has enabled me to curb sugar cravings and steer clear of my trigger foods (sweets ????).
But recently, I find myself waking up in the morning determined to get back on track but end up giving in to the delicious home-baked gifts we have received from family and friends. Until finally, I just give up and comfort myself by saying “I’ll just get through the holidays and then I’ll get back on track.” I know every day I do that I’m just digging myself deeper into a hole that will be harder to get out of. Maybe this sounds familiar to you too.
This weekend was the final straw. I woke up feeling congested and sluggish, even though I thought I had a good night’s sleep. My joints, which for years have been pain-free, really hurt.
It finally caught up with me. What I was feeling was directly related to what I have been eating – too much sugar and even some gluten had snuck back into my diet (those homemade Christmas cookies!)
I realize the holidays are almost over, but I need to take action - now.
So okay, acknowledging that things have got to change is a start. The good news is I have been following a fairly clean diet for years and know what changes I need to make to feel better. I thought I would share some of those tips with you in hopes that others can benefit.
These are the things I am doing to get back on track
First off, I have hidden away the sweets, keeping temptation out of sight, and out of mind. I’m back to recording the amount of water I’m drinking (8 glasses of water a day), and I’m recommitted to taking my vitamins and supplements daily. I pulled out some of the healthy entrees from my freezer. I’m avoiding snacking on sweets, so I’m making sure I have healthy snacking options like fresh fruit and nuts within easy reach. I have a warm tea to sip on during the day and a naturally sweet herbal tea for after dinner.
In addition to the foods I eat, I’m also paying attention to my emotional and physical health as well. I know all these factors work together to keep me healthy, support a positive mood, and keep me motivated. I’ve been trying to meditate during the pandemic, but not regularly. I recently joined an app group to hold me accountable and set aside a consistent time in the morning to do this. I find that even a few minutes a day can help me focus on the “big picture,” reduce any stress, and not get bogged down on the small daily tasks at hand. Same with my exercise routine.
Now that I have said (written) this out loud, I have to stick to it, right? That's the plan.
What about you? Are you feeling bloated and wanting to get back into your skinny jeans too? What strategies do you use to get out of the rut?
Need some more suggestions? Let me know. I might just come up with a program for all of us to get back into our skinny jeans together!
Wishing you a very Happy New Year with the hope we will be able to see each other soon, whether it be virtually or in person!
Yours in Health,
Evey
