Change is Good

by Christina Meyer-Jax, Tastemaker in Residence

January is the season of resolutions. This typically involves change, which let’s face it, isn’t easy for most of us. Research shows that it can take anywhere from 21 to 90 days to embrace a new habit and truly make it a part of your daily routine.

As a dietitian and nutritionist, I spend a lot of time with clients discussing what healthy eating changes they should make in the New Year. However, instead of focusing on individual changes, what really has resonated with my clients is WHY change is good.  When we understand the benefits of healthy changes, it often motivates us to actually DO them!

 So in the eternal words of Elton John…here are some reasons WHY “change is gonna do you good.”

1. Feeling Good (and who doesn’t want that)? When we support our body with: healthy food (whole fruits, vegetables, lean meats, grass-fed dairy), less highly processed foods with ingredients we can’t pronounce, and more activity, our body responds with feeling good. It really is a simple equation. In our stressed out, fast paced lifestyles, we are starting to forget what feeling really good is like. When you feel your best, you can do your best.
2. Success! Whether it’s big changes (training for a marathon) or smaller changes (reducing desserts), following through with commitments gives you personal success.  This is a psychological boost that can help motivate you in other areas of your life too.
3. Looking better! Let’s not underestimate the importance of aesthetics. The number one reason to eat healthy and exercise is to feel good. Quality of life is what propels us to live life to the fullest. But a nice result of making healthy choices is our body will look better. Whether that is more toned muscles, flatter stomach, or better looking skin…positive changes reflect well in the mirror too. This helps motivate change to continue.
4. Sleep! When you choose to limit caffeine, alcohol, sugar, large meals before bedtime, and increase daily activity you set your body up for a better night’s sleep. An average of 7-8 hours of quality sleep is needed daily for adults. When we focus on making sleep a priority we will be rewarded. Studies show that even mild sleep deprivation can lead to damage in your brain, reduced ability to think and handle stress, increased cravings and food intake.

Your body needs you!  

                                    2014 can be the year to treat it with the care and respect it deserves. 

                                                                                                                                                   Change is a good thing.

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