Use the last few days of the year wisely

Yesterday began what some have come to know as the laziest work week of the year. Notable goings on for many people this week include shopping for after-Christmas deals, planning their New Year’s Eve festivities, and relishing time with kids who are out of school and seeing extended family. We are by no means informing you to skip these traditions, however, there are some things you can do this week that will set you up for success in the coming New Year.    

Update your Menu

You’ve likely planned one more not-so-healthy food excursion on New Year’s Eve, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look forward to cleaning up your act. Use the additional time you have to scour your own personal menu for improvement. Whether you need to revamp a recipe by replacing potatoes with roasted beets, or test out something other than oatmeal and eggs for breakfast, experiment with your food. Find out which grocery stores have cheaper options for your favorite foods. In addition to truly comparison pricing, compare the quality of the food itself. The fruit at the store a mile further away than my regular grocer is much fresher. I switched breakfast bars last year, (which I regularly have with plain non-fat Greek yogurt) because I found one had 10 grams more protein, 50 less calories, and 3 grams more fiber than a number of other brands. What will you find out this week about your menu? Because you’re not in a rush, you have time to think through better options for yourself.  You might also use this time to freeze some hearty meals for work next week. To cut your food logging time down considerably, use this week to create staple meals in your Calorie Count account. Save at least 5 each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  You can also build your list of favorite items.

Test Your Limits

You can only get directions to a destination if you have a starting point. Whether or not you have a gym membership or are working out on your own, use this time as an opportunity to take a fitness test and get a professional to take your measurements. Past figuring your BMI, you may also find out your body fat percentage through some facilities. Hydrostatic body fat testing is also a very accurate option to consider. In addition to getting your current body stats, you might also test out your new workout regimen. While you can’t replicate the bad traffic, lack of parking spaces or crowded environment at the gym you’ll likely encounter after the first of the year, trying out just how hard it will be to stick to your new workout plan will help you face the reality of your plans. If you can’t do your workout for three days in a row when you don’t have a busy schedule, you may find yourself having to rethink your lofty goals.

Pre-Game Ritual

This is the week you should look inward and think through obstacles to your success. It’s officially time for change or at least improvement and you have to prepare for the game. Winning means getting your thoughts together for the task at hand. Many athletes have pre-game rituals that boost their confidence and help them focus their mind. How will you prepare for a healthier lifestyle? Do you have an inspirational quote that will help you make better food decisions regularly? Do you have a visualization, music, or something that will help you get through a tough workout? This is the week to try out some of these tools. In addition to this, treat yourself to an appreciation party. Whether you say it verbally or write it down, consider the great things that will come to you when you set your mind to achieving your goals.


Your thoughts…

What will you do this week that will help you achieve your goals in the New Year?