Happy New YOU!

We all know that with the start of a new year comes many new well-intended resolutions. A large majority of those are related to weight loss or dieting. Unfortunately most people give up after feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. A large percentage of those who do in fact lose weight gain it back.

"By some estimates, 80% of people who successfully lose at least 10% of their body weight will gradually regain it to end up as large or even larger than they were before they went on a diet" - webmd.com

The statistics may seem bleak, but the cause of this is usually due to not being properly prepared to make these changes. When it comes to your health, think long-term sustainability. You don't want to be another one of those statistics. And if you think you won't this time, what are you going to do that is different?

Putting your health first is the best gift you can give. Here are my tips for starting off on the right foot:

- Make small changes - too much change can be overwhelming and hard to maintain. Our bodies and minds need time to adapt to the change. Also, small changes are easier to achieve which will help you to feel successful and encouraged. This shouldn't feel like a chore or punishment. If it does, you're not likely going to sustain.

- Track your progress - There are many apps out there which do a great job of tracking food intake and exercise. Tracking will help you see your progress, be more mindful, and learn about the quality of the foods you eat.

- Be prepared to fail - You've probably heard that the "path to success is not a straight line." You're going to make mistakes along that way and that's okay because you can learn from them. There is no one right way to find the path to your good health. You will need to experiment. And if you find that something is not working, try something else. When you fall down, get back up... and when you fall again, get up again... But never EVER give up!

- Seek support - There are a lot of great support programs depending on your needs. It is important to have the help of others to talk about challenges and to help keep you accountable. It can be a group, a health coach, a nutritionist, or even a partner. Whatever works for you, give it a try. Heck, give me a quick message, I'd be happy to chat or put you in touch with someone to help you get started!

These tips will help you get started on the right foot, feel more motivated, and enjoy the path to better health... And remember, your health is an investment in your future!

Happy New YOU! 🎉

Mike