On this episode of the Fitlandia Podcast we’re looking forward to 2017 with this third installation in our series on New Year’s Resolutions. Joined by Rebecca Van Damm of Food Mood Coaching, this episode focuses specifically on getting yourself into a good mood for resolutions.
Starting Small
New Year’s Resolutions tend to bring mixed emotions, we’re part excited for a fresh start, but also pessimistic because it’s a system that has not worked in the past. Rebecca’s number one tip is to keep it simple. People have a tendency to want to overhaul their entire lifestyle, but trying to do so much in such a short period of time just means it’s that much harder to achieve, and also that much easier to give up when you hit a bump. Instead she advises people to look deep within themselves and find your own intrinsic value, the thing that will make you a little happier. When you knock that out, then you move on to the next thing. It’s about working toward enjoyment.
“When people focus on having more fun, especially when it relates to diet, exercise, and lifestyle, they’re going to get a lot farther than if they were trying to relegate themselves to practices they don’t enjoy.” - Rebecca Van Damm
Rebecca goes on to list some other small tips related to food and movement that are simple and easy-to-execute. If you want some ideas for simple resolutions, these serve as a great starting point.
- Eat breakfast
- Drink water
- Sleep
- Nutrient-dense meals
- Cooking at home more
Receptive to Change
Another thing to notice is how you’re consuming your food. After talking health tips Rebecca brings up the fact that being mindful and enjoying your food slowly is paramount. Additionally, noticing what else you're consuming while you eat is important. You’re putting your body into a receptive mode when you’re eating, and everything is being digested, experiences, conversations, media, etc. so when you’re putting your body into that mode, make sure it’s something that’s supportive and positive.
On Compassion
Whenever New Year’s comes around, there are also a lot of resolutions naysayers, people that say they never work, or complain about the influx of people at the gym. Harnessing that power of intention is a beautiful thing and only serves to build the greater fitness community. Embrace the fact that these people are trying to be as healthy as possible, be a part of their journey.
Rebecca says that it starts with self-compassion. If we’re attacking others there’s something deeper, some kind of shame point, something we’re not proud of. She asks the listener to notice those thoughts and look within themselves to find what that is. What is it that you don’t have compassion for? Where can you give yourself more compassion? It’s easier to have compassion for people around you when you have compassion for yourself.
Love yourself where you are. You’re perfect, and whole, and evolving into whatever goals you have. Be gentle with yourself and the body, and the mind, and the spirit that you are today. Embrace the fact that this is a journey over time.
Rebecca ends with one final bit of advice on upcoming resolutions: think of New Year’s Resolutions as a way to do something a little better, not a time to overhaul. Focus on doing better, don’t focus on trying to be better.