Can You Do Better?
The picture above is a sticker that I keep on my refrigerator door. It reminds me to take small steps each day that will add up to improve the overall quality of my health and life in general.
One of my clients just returned from a 4-day vacation with several family members and was struggling with her workout. She said they had a great time but ate and drank way too much and she was feeling badly about herself, both physically and mentally.
It was a great opportunity for her to remember all the small ways that she can (and often does) take the small, healthier actions that make space for some of the overindulgences that she (and the rest of us) engage in.
If we know we’re going to eat a large and relatively unhealthy meal on Christmas Day for example, we can preemptively engage in more healthy behaviors before (and after) that meal. For example:
Have a small breakfast and end the day with a small healthy meal if you’re having a larger meal is in the middle of the day.
Eat more plant-based meals the day before and the day after your big holiday meal.
Get an extra workout in on a day you know you’re going to eat more than usual.
Go for a family walk after the meal to get everyone moving while continuing to connect.
Be kind to yourself when you get a bit “off track” and do your best to get back on track as soon as possible.
There are always little things we can do to help make our future selves healthier.
After her workout, my client committed to taking a very short walk around her neighborhood. Once she was out, she ended up doing much more walking than she had planned and felt a lot better.
Another client was asked to bring something gluten-free to a family event and she decided to bring a vegetable platter with a nice dill dip. She struggled a bit, because it didn’t feel like she was bringing something “good”.
I like this sticker because it reminds me that it doesn’t matter what you do. Just do your best to “do a little bit better” in whatever way you can. Some possible ways to do better may include:
—-take the stairs
—-have a protein shake as a meal replacement if you ate too much the day before, or know you’re going out to eat later in the day
—-commit to a short walk or workout and let yourself go longer if you have time
—-bring a healthier food item to a social event
If you’d like a few reminders of healthy, plant-based soup options, I’ve included some recipe links below.
Creamy Broccoli and White Bean Soup
Happy Holidays!!