Hi, I’m Medha, and I’ve lasted twelve days of my resolutions so far.
I feel like I deserve some kind of enormous trophy or medal, because this is definitely the longest I’ve lasted.
Now I’m the farthest thing from a personal trainer or nutritionist, but riding on the high of my successful and healthy week, I figured I’d share a few things I’ve learned so far and a couple links you might enjoy.
- Just get moving: Regardless of whether you spend 5 or 15 or 45 minutes exercising, that time spent is much better than sitting idly. A lot of times I try to talk myself out of working out at all, but I have definitely found that even going to the gym or just starting a couple reps of an exercise gets my blood pumping and motivates me to keep going! (aka: getting started is the hardest part!)
- Don’t do ‘the thing’: What’s ‘the thing’? For me, it’s when I convince myself I don’t need a snack or another dessert, and resolve to have a day of perfect eating. Ultimately, ignoring the craving leads to me eating way too many cookies or otherwise chowing down on something unnecessary, that could easily be replaced with a healthy snack, like some fruit. Whatever your habit is, try to identify it and I bet it’ll make a surprisingly big difference in your routine.
- Make a daily schedule: This may not work for everyone, but for the hyper-organized like me, making a timetable-esque schedule of my day keeps me on track. By listing everything I need to accomplish, I never forget anything important and I don’t spend too much or too little time on one activity. Plus, putting little check marks next to tasks I’ve completed makes me feel like I’m actually being productive.
- Think about the why: When you’re eating a salad or jogging and you start to feel discouraged, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Personally, thinking about getting fitter or more rested reminds me of my motivation and keeps me from making excuses.
- Get inspired: I recently had a college application question that asked what my favorite source of inspiration was. I had a really tough time formulating an answer, because I’m constantly inspired by, well, everything. (And I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing!) It’s really easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, but rather than mentally compete with them, it’s much more fruitful to be inspired by them.
Anyway, those are my little tokens of seventeen-year old wisdom! Hopefully I’ll be able to stick to them myself. In the meantime, here are some awesome links that I’ve been returning to over and over this month:
- this healthy fudge that is perfect for guilt-free snacking and dessert
- possibly the greatest salad combination ever (greek + kale!)
- these amazing gf/vegan copycat reese’s eggs (plus great nutritional info)
- the pictures of this stew are seriously to die for
- i’m sure many of you have seen this nut and seed bread recipe, but I cannot wait to try it!
- more greek flavors + amazing wraps + relevant and awesome post = this!
- these protein-packed raw chocolate, almond butter, and jam bars
- this lovely post with a few goals to make 2015 your year! (not food oops)
Have a great week and hope your 2015 is off to a great start!
xx
That’s a great looking shopping cart(!) and you should feel very proud! Nice work this week! One day at a time!
Thanks! Baby steps 🙂
Great job on keeping up with your resolutions so far, Medha! I really like your tips of creating a schedule and getting inspired, something I often struggle with! I wish you continued success on your resolutions!
Thanks and glad to hear! You too 🙂
Fist bumps, high fives and a cheeky happy dance for you. Celebrate the small wins I say. Good on you! 🙂 They say it only takes 30 days to make it a new habit, so keep trucking girl. Proud of you.
Thanks so much! 18 to go…
Love it Medha!
Very insightful and meaningful. I will share this with my patients too. Very inspiring.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Congrats on sticking with it!! You really do deserve a trophy, haha! I came up with a few goals this year rather than resolutions because I never seem to stick to them and then I just feel bad about it! I hope your New Year is off to a great start, Medha!
That’s such a great idea!
Yeah for sticking with your resolutions! Those tips are so great too and much needed for myself 🙂
Thanks, Danielle!
Medha, love the tips you shared .. so true!! esp making a daily schedule, exercising and being inspired!!! here’s to a great 2015 for us all!! 🙂
Cheers!
Great job on your success so far.
Thanks!
Congrats on making such a well thought out list. That’s half the battle. Happy New Year! Hope 2015 is great for you.
You too and thanks!!
Fantastic, yippee for sticking on to your resolution. I exactly know how you feel right now. Let’s all have a fantastic year and motivate each other.
Agreed:)
Yay, way to go Medha! Love these tips and so important to keep moving and stay inspired. Good luck, I’m rooting for you and everyone for a healthier 2015 🙂
Thanks, Kelly!
Fantastic progress! Keep us posted on how the rest of the month (and year) goes!
Definitely!
Good luck, Medha! I personally just think that moderation is the ultimate goal. It’s hard for me to get there, but it’s super rewarding once I do!
Exactly 🙂
Two thumbs up for the resolution determination! Holding on to those resolutions can be so difficult. I usually just go with the thought that everything is ok in moderation. Keep up the good work, and nice to meet you!
Thanks, David! You too 🙂
Well done! You’re doing way better than me. I didn’t even set resolutions for the year. Why? Because I fail every single time. I’m just going to live vicariously through you, mmkay.
Hahaha thanks, Jen! 🙂
Great job on the resolutions, and I know you can stay on track! From what you post here, you’re definitely a very healthy eater. 🙂
Thanks!
Congratulations! And thanks for the very wise advice! 🙂
Thanks and always 🙂
Mmmm …. those choc, almond & jam bars sound divine!
Some great tips here too! Thank you!
The chia jam is so clever! I’m obsessed. And thanks 🙂
I just love what you are doing! Great inspiration Medha! Love everything in your shopping cart! Will come back and read this post again for more inspiration, because I need it!!!
Thanks so much! 🙂
I usually make 3 resolutions and am happy if I manage to keep one for the whole year. This seems to take the pressure off a bit. Thanks for the guidelines above – maybe this year I can keep 2!
Of course 🙂
15 days?? Congratulations! This is exactly why I don’t do resolutions! I never stick with them. 😉
Haha thanks!
GREAT tips and congrats on making it to twelve days of keeping your resolutions!! That is awesome!!
Aw thanks, Joanne!
Congrats on keeping up with your resolutions! I think I might have to give that healthy fudge a try!!
I can’t wait to try it 🙂
I was super proud about not cheating on my healthy eating plan, and THEN….those brownies happened. That’s my tip: if you cheat, just start right back with the healthy eating, instead of thinking “Well, there goes my plan, better luck next year!”
Haha brownies are totally worth it 🙂
Thanks for sharing the tips with us, Medha. You are so right about getting started, but with all the motivation listed here, there’s no excuse not to stick to the resolutions. Good luck!
Thanks, you too!
10 Gold stars for you, Medha! Fabulous work! Sticking to goals isn’t always easy, but you’ve done it! Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned. Important life lessons. I find that I need a schedule. My goal has been to set a weekly schedule, detailing out my day and being more intentional about how I am spending my time. Sometimes I allow things to get in the way and I’m trying to get better and saying no and using my every moment more effectively (including rest, relaxation and exercise). Keep up the great work Medha! Way to GOOOOO!
Thanks so much, Traci! Breaking down each day into 24 hours of opportunity is really a useful tip 🙂