Around this time at the start of the New Year, you often see lists coming out reviewing everything that has happened in the past 365 days.  Whether they are best and worst of fashion, a list that chronicles important moments in the news or other media outlets, it is a nice way to take stock of everything that has happened, which shaped 2013.  While this tactic might provide you with entertainment, it can be an incredibly useful tactic for you to employ on your own intuitive and mindful eating journey.

Something else you usually see around this time of year is people making a long list of resolutions, on ways they want to “be better” or “improve” in the New Year.  While it’s always good to set goals, I would rather you celebrate all the ways you have already improved while being on this journey.  Starting the year focusing on where you believed you fell short is no way to start off feeling successful.  It brings you right back to a diet mentality.  That mindset is not going to breed success.

Instead I would like you to focus more on the “Year in Review” concept and less on the resolutions concept.   Here are some ways you can go about making your list:

• Your best moments: This should be what you start with.  Focus on all those moments you honored your hunger, respected your fullness, allowed yourself to eat something that you loved guilt-free because you know no food is off limits.  Celebrate those moments that would have been so different had you been living the life of a dieter and remember how you are on the right track to a healthy, mindful lifestyle.

 

• Moments you would have changed: Mistakes happen.  There will always be a time where you could have handled a situation differently.  But mistakes are great when you learn from them.  Mistakes make you better when you recognize them so don’t feel ashamed when putting them in your “Year in Review”!  Be proud that you made the decision to get learn and improve.

• Moments that surprised you:  Maybe it was the first time you ate a bagel and didn’t feel guilty.  Maybe it was that week you exercised 5 times and it wasn’t even difficult.  Whatever things you did that you never thought you could, should absolutely be celebrated.

 

• Moments you feared food but it turned out alright: Maybe it was this holiday season, or perhaps the summer when it was difficult because you had a lot of barbecues and pool parties.  Whatever occasions made you apprehensive about food, it is important you note how you came through them successfully to remind yourself of what you accomplished.

 

• Things you’re most proud of: This might involve you repeating some of your best moments, but that’s OK!  Celebrating the positive aspects of a year is a much more productive way to approach a New Year with a great energy and motivation for even more success.

Congratulations on making the commitment to live a healthier lifestyle through intuitive and mindful eating.  By reading my blog and even making small steps towards change, you are doing something great for your health.

I look forward to 2014 and hope it is a great year for you!

Your turn to take action: Please share “Year in Review” with me in the comments below!  I’d love to hear more about your 2013 and plans for 2014.