How many years in a row have you made the same resolution?
If the answer is more than one, then your goal was probably never realistically attainable. I am a huge believer in slow, steady, & consistent change.
Imagine how different your life would be now if you had just made one or two small, yet realistic, positive changes into a permanent habit every year for the last 20 years!
Science shows that it takes 21 days to form a habit. So whatever your resolution, commit to it for at least three weeks straight or it’s frankly a waste of time. Here are some of the more manageable resolutions you could pledge to take on as a family:
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Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day: So simple, yet so challenging for so many of us. Track your intake and hit 5 for three weeks straight. Then shoot for 6 for the next 3 weeks. Repeat until you are comfortably at 7-10. Your life will never be the same!
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Get Real & eliminate processed snacks: Vow to only eat real food at snacktime: Veggies and bean dip, fruit and natural nut butter, homemade popcorn or greek yoghurt and berries with a sprinkle of nuts are great options.
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Consider a monthly, instead of an annual, resolution. One small change in January, another in February, and so on. Think of all you could accomplish in bite-sized pieces!
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Replace two main meals a week with vegetarian options. There are a ton of yummy vegetarian recipes on my site if you are looking for inspiration!
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Pack a healthy lunch: This change alone can cut loads of calories over the course of a week, fuel you better and save you cash! (It’s a no-brainer, right?)
Just pick one! The key to making permanent change is to master one before starting work on another.
Need a little help prioritizing and committing? Make this the year you really change things. If you need some support, or are feeling overwhelmed, either with your own food or your family’s food, helping clients achieve and maintain healthy change is what I do best!
Wishing all the HRM Parents out there a wonderful and healthy 2014!
Wendy McCallum, LLB, RHN, is passionate about providing busy parents with the tools & support they need to feed their families wholesome food, so everyone can play, learn, and feel better! She is a mother of two terrific nine-year old kids. For information and recipe ideas, visit her website or pick-up her cookbook
