Christmas Cheer...

Here we are another Christmas looming. It's always a time of reflection and I think growth as well. How has your year gone - health-wise, financially, personally, professionally? Did you make goals? Did you hit them; surpass them...or was there something in the way?

What are you hoping to achieve in 2015? It's such a busy world, perhaps you haven't had the chance to ponder that one yet!

As you age: do you feel better/ More confident? That you can conquer the world with all that you have accomplished? If not: what can you do to feel better? Nurture yourself better.....eat a more quality way......socialize with friends or family more......be more active? There are so many ways! But don't pressure yourself with so much that you begin 2015 with a bang and end with a bust, feeling the same this time next year.

Small steps; what is it you want improved, to make better, to be a "whiz" at? You want to feel the benefits of eating better? Don't cut out carbs.....cut out gluten, cut out all there is to cut out in the wish to try and desire to hit goals. Do what works for you, your lifestyle and your family.

Wishing to cut back on sugar? Perhaps track your diet for a few days and see where some changes could be made. Have a bagel every morning, sandwich at lunch and pasta at dinner? Easy-peezy-lemon-squeezy! Take one of those and make it healthier: have a piece of whole grain toast; don't put gobs (yes - gobs lol!) of sauce on your sandwich....perhaps try whole wheat pasta (although if truth be known: I still like typical pasta, I just have a very small amount! I have a good amount of protein, not so much noodles!). And research too! If changing your eating habits, do the research; don't rely on public chatter.

It's not so much about denying yourself of things (it's NEVER about that!); it's more about changing your behaviour. People can say it's easy and doable (I've been known to say that before but I know better now!). Change the behaviour - the why and how you do things.....and you will then see and feel results. For instance: do you find you eat late at night before bed in front of the tv? Make a decision to be full at dinner and after that if you eat anything have something which you won't regret. Do you go without brekkie? This is a meal must! So get up a few minutes earlier and make something - make a healthy smoothy! Takes a few minutes and you're good to go! By missing breakfast does it make you so hungry at lunch you could eat a house...so you do? Have that breakfast...you will find at lunch you don't need to eat so much.

There are so many different ways to help you figure out your habits and goals. You just need to do it step by step without pressuring yourself and you'll be fine.

How do you get through Xmas without eating a lot? This might be the time of year it's worth tracking your food. Over the season of parties, events, fundraisers and family get-togethers...have a plan (that's actually the first step!) of what your day will look like re: nutrition and the biggest hurdle?? STICK TO IT! Promise yourself to stick with it. I have a Client currently who goes to endless functions. This has been such a challenge; but the lightbulb went off and this is exactly what she does! Plans......has goals at the end of each week so during the week she sticks to her plan and she tracks. I'll tell ya: during a Season such as the Xmas one...she's blasting through her goals! It does work with the effort.

Stand by your decisions: You really want to feel better? Have more energy? Be lighter/ smaller/ get into a lbd? You really wish to be able to go on long walks....or get on the floor to play with children/ grandchildren? You are itching to have a smaller waistline or lower blood pressure? All of these are possible, if you mean what you say with yourself. Make your plans...your goals...and stick to them.

Know you are fabulous: You really are. Never forget this. So many of us put ourselves down. It's time to stop. Walk with your head held high and don't explain anything to anyone! You are YOU! No explanation needed! Go for your goals and love yourself through the process! But stop saying negative things about yourself (even in jest!) if you are one who does.

How old are you? 20? 30? 80? Whatever your age...you can truly be the BEST you have ever been! Shine from within you are so proud of yourself! So find out what your deep down goals for YOU are.....list them.......then for each take tiny steps to reach those goals. Whether you write them down; speak them into your phone; or just think about them. Baby steps is the way to go baby!

You truly can be the best you've ever been.........so let's do that in 2015!!!

Shine On my Friends,
Carolyn :)