A New Resolution:  Honoring Yourself First
By Noelle Armstrong

January 1, 2008

Dear Diary, I am going to exercise more, go to the gym at least 5 days a week, eat only protein, and lose that weight that I gained last year!

February 1, 2008

Dear Diary, I don’t know where the time has gone!  Running the kids around, work, returning holiday gifts has left no time for me.  Forget about eating healthy or exercising.  I don’t have time to do it! I will start in the spring, that’s final, in April it will be time for me.

     Sound familiar?  How many times have we had great expectations of ourselves only to let this happen?  I challenge you to try something different.  You have the power to make this the year of better health, vitality, and feeling good in your skin.

     Now is the time to be the best we can be by honoring our bodies, giving it more water, eating healthy foods, and exercising more than we usually do.  Nurturing and feeding our souls on a daily basis.  This is so important because if you are constantly giving and not receiving, and draining yourself of such important vital energy, there will be nothing else to give to anyone or yourself. 

     There are so many reasons to improve your nutrition.  The first one being that you want to nourish your body more fully and become leaner and healthier-for you!  Because you deserve the freedom of feeling healthy and fit.  Begin by cleaning out your cupboards and filling them with more rejuvenating foods.

     The second is to respect your body right now!  I am talking about the one that already have.  Walking around putting yourself down is not going to help you achieve your goals.  Would you talk to your best friend or a small child this way? We also need to eat foods that we enjoy.  If you are feeling deprived and not eating foods that taste good, the chances are that you are not going to stick to your health and wellness goals.  One thing I hear quite often from clients is “I am so sick of salad!”  My response is, “Don’t eat them.”  There are hundreds of ways to get nutrition into your body.  If one thing isn’t working, move on to something that does.

     Eat foods that you love mindfully and happily.  If you are having major cravings, you are better off to give into a little of it, otherwise you may end up having a major binge later.  And please, make it a good one!  Don’t fall of the wagon for something awful.  Eat it and move on!

     You are better off having a treat earlier in the day.  Your body is fully ready to burn it off before 5 pm.  If you are finding yourself hungry, ask yourself if you are eating enough protein and whole grains that fill you up and give you energy and staying power.

     Commit to trusting that your body to know what it needs to nurture you.  Give your body a chance and start listening to it.  What foods nourish you?  Help you feel full?  Give you more energy?  Help you lose weight?  If after you eat and you find yourself hungry an hour later, pay attention to the signs.  Are you tired or starving? What is really going on?  DID YOU PUT ENOUGH FUEL IN THE TANK?  There is such a food/mood connection, and it is taking the time to slow down and pay attention to our body to know what we really need.

     You wouldn’t drive your car on empty, please don’t do this to your body and expect great results.  You will be calling Triple A asking them to come pick you up on the side of the road.

     Pay attention to what else is going on in your life.  This is what I call Primary Food.  It isn’t served on a plate, but it is just as important as what goes on in your life.  Primary Food includes your nurturing relationships, your career, exercise program, and last but not least, your spirituality.  What feeds your soul on a daily basis?  All of these things circle around your food and the key to health and wellness is finding your balance.  If something is off in your Primary Food, 9 times out of 10 there is something going on with your diet.

     Please remember that everyone is different, and what might work for one, might not work for another.  Be your own expert as to what works for you and you will make 2008 a great year for you!

March 1, 2008

Dear Diary, I cannot believe how much energy I have! Eating breakfast in the morning with the kids has helped me to cut back on my snacking. Adding more fruits and veggies and drinking more water has really made a difference in my portion sizes.  I don’t feel like I am going into lunch or dinner starving anymore.  I have even had a chance to exercise a few times during the week. I am happy and proud of the changes I have made.

Noelle Armstrong is a certified Holistic Health Coach who helps to clear up the confusion around healthy eating, and finding your balance with health and happiness.  She runs individual and group nutritional programs, healthy fun cooking classes, pantry organization, menu planning and workshops. Her website is www.HolisticandRealistic.com, and she can be reached at 508-245-9716 or HolisticandRealistic@yahoo.com

E-mail this Article to a Friend