February Newsletter
So often we get excited about the new year being a clean slate and set some fantastic goals to enable us to be healthier, but by February they have been forgotten or haven't been started. The reason behind setting goals is to achieve something you really want, so why would you give up or not start on something you REALLY want?
Many goals go out the window because: the work that is required to achieve the goal far outweighs the desire, the goal was unrealistic or distractions get in the way and it goes in the "tomorrow" basket.
This newsletter talks about what drives us, the main benefits of healthy eating and how to make sure you achieve the goals you set.
What drives us
Human beings are driven by two things: pain & happiness. Its a basic human instinct to move away from pain and towards something that feels better i.e. happiness.
If you associate pain to eating unhealthy foods because it makes you feel tired, frumpy, ill and lethargic then you will be more driven towards eating foods that make you feel good.
The opposite is just as powerful - if you associate pain to eating healthy foods because you feel unhealthy food tastes better then you will move towards what you think gives you happiness.
This is especially important to know when setting health goals because if you want to lose weight and you find yourself seriously considering eating that piece of cake which will go straight to the hips then knowing this will help you refocus your thoughts onto something else.
Benefits of Eating Healthy
Increased energy: so many go about their day feeling tired, lethargic and drained. Having more energy makes you feel alive again!
Motivation & Productivity: how hard is it to be motivated and productive when your tired? Its extremely hard! Motivation helps you achieve more in your day and by being more productive you produce a better quality outcome with what your doing.
Clear Mind: walking around all day in a daze feeling tired and unmotivated gets you nowhere. A clear mind helps you make better decisions and your also more aware of what is going on around you.
Happiness: when you eat healthier foods you naturally feel happier. Your not weighed down by foods which make you feel awful, you feel lighter and your mood is improved dramatically.
Strong Immunity: being sick is awful, especially when your struck down for weeks on end. Just as your car requires fuel your body needs nutrients and when you run low on fuel your car will stop... so does your body when it runs low on nutrients and this is when a cold or flu can take hold. Healthy eating strengthens your immune system and you are less likely to get the cold.
6 ways make sure you achieve your goal
1. What do you REALLY want?
When setting goals its important to set ones that excite you! Unfortunately many set goals that are should's, such as: "I should do more exercise", "I should lose that extra weight", "I should eat healthier" etc... These should goals are boring and are the ones which get forgotten and given up on as they aren't motivating you enough to go about achieving them ie. causing you pain.
When you set a goal that you can see yourself obtaining and you REALLY want it, you are more inclined to do what is necessary to go about achieving it! Make sure any goal you set is something you are excited about and makes you feel good.
2. Is it REALISTIC?
There is no point setting a goal which you cannot achieve or where you think you can achieve it but don't have the desire, means or time to do it. This doesn't mean don't set goals which don't stretch you just make sure they are able to be in your reach if you do what is necessary to achieving it.
3. WHY do you want it?
Having a goal that is exciting and realistic is one thing but if you don't know why you want it then when something happens that may delay you or may challenge you along the way those two things may not be enough. But if you know why you want it i.e. "I want to lose 10kg because I will feel sexy, energised and more confident" then when things get a little hard you will soldier through.
4. Commitment
Yes I know its a scary word but if you don't commit to following through on your goals then your not going to achieve them, simple as that. Set aside a time each day or week to work towards your goals.
5. Action Plan
This is your road map to achieving your goal and you don't need to know the whole step by step process, just where to start i.e. you want to lose 10kg so start with:
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Throw out all the junk food in fridge
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Read a book on eating healthy
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Find a buddy to keep you accountable
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Learn to cook new tasty healthy recipes
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Get up each morning & exercise for 30 minutes
6. Test & Measure
Once a week or month review your goals and see what is working and what isn't and change your approach if you find what your doing isn't working out. This final step is important because if you are doing something that isn't working and you don't change your approach or find another way you may find yourself off track.
www.healthyeatingaustralia.com
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