A diet resolution that will actually work

Are you over "setting intentions" for the New Year?

I am.

Well, at least, I'm over the manic and unrealistic push to become "better" at some aspect of your life, instantly. Yet, the freshness of a New Year does offer the relief of a year behind us and a blank canvas to creativity participate in life in new ways. So here's what I have to say: If you are drawn to the fresh feeling a New Year's resolution, this is what I see actually work well for myself and the clients I've worked with here in Grand Rapids and out of state:

Dedication to showing up to something you value, honestly, as you are

That means that there will be times you may not want to do it (the animal body has its lazy way about it sometimes), and times you will be confronted by your own frustrating limitations or constraints in life. Normal! But if you've found something that you love and value, you show up and do what you can, fairly consistently. You do what you can. You don't assume the gods will one day grant you all the inspiration you'll ever need. You might be waiting a long time! Nor do you wait to suddenly take on the values of people around you - you choose your own.

Can I make progress with my diet without being perfect?

Quick story about accepting and working with limitation: I once had a client with two elementary school-aged daughters. Her husband worked out of the house full-time and she worked full-time remotely from her home. Life was stressful and there was very little leisure time. (She reported relaxation time being a TV show and a big bowl of ice cream after the kids were in bed). She came into my office in tears because she'd gained weight after her second child and felt trapped in a body she didn't recognize. She researched what it might take to transform her body online and was completely overwhelmed by the rigorous training and diet plans she came across and felt even further trapped.

The long story very short was we had to go through a great deal of intellectual intervention as to why something was certainly better than nothing and that the people who generally maintain healthful habits are consistent. (Interesting fact: Some of my clients have had a part of them that secretly feels that small, consistent action is pointless, average, and unimpressive - which is a no-no in the culture - and won't make any difference with their goals). Anyway, after a great deal of chatting, honest tears, and negotiation, she agreed and committed to a very specific, efficient, do-able strength based workout plan that as well as working on manageable (not overwhelming) changes to her diet that worked with her family life. I had her buy-in and curiosity.

Within a month she started losing weight.

You see, like my client, you must show up to your life honesty, with whatever limitations exist. If you can take the mindset of, "Every act matters" and "No act is too small," you will find yourself doing something on days you are tired or you have less time than you anticipated.

Please, agree to be here!

Happy (almost) New Year! I hope this coming year brings Beauty and Grace into full view in your life.

With love & respect,

Laura