Why is it that the majority of “healthy diets” started on January 1st fail?
Well, first off, winter seasonal food choices are limited. Yes, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and other root veggies are yummy, but are they exciting enough to keep someone motivated to continue eating healthier foods?
Then there’s the fact that winter weather is brrr cold, with more time hibernating in our homes. Days are shorter; by the time we arrive home to start cooking dinner, it’s dark. Some of us even feel a touch of winter depression. Physically and emotionally, it’s not always a “happy” time of year.
Wouldn’t it wiser to start a new lifestyle change when our bodies and minds are happier, say, during the spring or summer?
Springtime represents a fresh beginning; our gardens are renewed with fresh flowers and fresh produce choices starting to pop up.
By the time summer hits, we’re plentiful with berries, tomatoes, stone fruits, green lettuces, summer squash, eggplant, green beans, peppers, and melons.
The days are longer, the sun is shining and it’s easier to be more active outdoors. We just feel better in the warmer months!
You Can Still Make a Healthy New Years Resolution
No, I am not trying to discourage anyone from making a healthy New Years resolution, but perhaps concentrate on something specific that you can easily accomplish.
Instead of a general all-encompassing promise to “live healthier”, start small with a promise to reduce the sugar and cream in your coffee. Or perhaps a promise to eat home cooked meals at least 4 nights a week. How about making homemade lunches or eating oats for breakfast every morning?
Take tiny steps, and your goals will be easier to achieve. Once you have a few smaller successes under your belt, deepen your commitment to lower your calories and lose weight.
Hmm, I wonder if New Years Day was celebrated in the spring, would those healthy resolutions be easier to keep?