How to Make Lasting Healthy Changes

If you’re like most Americans, you set some type of goal or resolution related to your health in the last few weeks. And if you’re anything like me, these are often the hardest goals to keep. Lucky for both of us, today’s blog is written by special guest and health expert, Stephanie Kirylych! 

Stephanie is an integrative nutrition health coach focused on a simple approach to holistic health, spirituality and happiness. She believes in discovering true and lasting health and happiness from the inside out — which is one of the many reasons why I think she’s amazing!

Keeping with our recent “goals” themes, Stephanie is going to share with you today her top tips for making lasting healthy changes in 2016! I think you’ll find we share similar philosophies and I fully endorse her words of wisdom.

Read her special guest post and then do yourself a favor and sign up for her FREE 3-day guide to health and happiness from the inside out. You can claim your free 3-day guide here.

 

New year, new you – right? Wrong.

We don’t wake up on January 1 a completely new person so why do we think that we’ll magically do and be all of the things we weren’t on December 31 at 11:59pm? New Year’s resolutions have become dirty words and just another thing we have to feel guilty about. But the truth is, we usually set ourselves up for failure before we’ve even started. We strive for massive change and end up right back where we started. Change doesn’t have to be an impossible task. I’m sharing my six steps for making lasting change:

You need to truly want it.

How many times have you sworn off sugar, junk food, or booze on a Sunday night and by Monday at lunch you’re back to your usual ways? In order for change to stick, you need to truly want it. Down to your core want it. Won’t settle for anything less want it. Your intention to change is what is going to open the doors for you. So get honest with yourself, do you really want to change?

Be prepared to forgive yourself.

You are going to be dropping the F-word (“forgiveness” that is) like a full-time job. Forgiveness is everything when you are working to make change. Will you eat the chocolate cake, skip the gym, down the triple latte, and inhale the cheeseburger and fries. Yes. Will it derail you? No, not this time because you are going to practice radical self-forgiveness. You are going to let yourself off the hook and recommit to your change. And move on – immediately.

Start small and keep it within the day.
Okay, you truly want it, you’re ready to throw down the F-word, and you’re excited to get started. Now is the time to pause, breathe, and start small. You don’t need to change everything right this second. Rapid, massive changes can easily overwhelm you. You don’t need to cut out the dairy, gluten, caffeine, sugar, and grains all at once. Choose one area to focus on and master that. Then add in something else. Maybe you want to start adding more vegetables into your meals. Great – set the goal to have veggies with every meal a few times a week. And keep your goal in the day. Don’t let yourself future-trip by saying things like: What am I going to do on vacation this summer? How I am going to maintain this when I go out to dinner with the girls? Today, in this moment, is where your focus needs to be.

Take ownership.

Okay, this one seems obvious but it’s important to remember that you are in charge. You have the power to have a green smoothie for breakfast. YOU! Knowing that you are in control is liberating and terrifying at the same time. If you are in charge, that means you are also responsible. That’s where forgiveness comes in.

Ask for help.

You may be the CEO of your health but that doesn’t mean you are a solo operation. Everyone needs a little help from time to time. Let your friends, family, and coworkers know what you’re doing and ask them to be your support system. Maybe a friend wants to join in and you can plan healthy meals and hit up Whole Foods together. Even just letting people know that you are making different health choices will make a difference. This will take some of the pressure off when you are in a staff meeting and the cookie tray is going around the room. Your coworkers will know to also bring fruit for you or to simply not offer you a cookie. Also, once you’ve told other people you will feel more accountable for your decisions.

Celebrate!

This step is HUGE! We are all too eager to punish ourselves for being “bad” but we rarely celebrate our successes. Bust a move in the kitchen while your green smoothie is blending to celebrate a healthy start to the day. Post pics of your healthy meals on social media. This is a great way to acknowledge your wins and also inspire your friends and family. Be proud when you are able to forgive yourself and move on in challenging moments. You’re awesome and you’re doing great!

 

If you’d like even more healthy tips from Stephanie, sign up for her FREE 3-day guide to health and happiness and check out her website and social media at the following links:

Website: www.spiritedwellbeing.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniekirylych/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedwellbeing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephkirylych

Thank you, Stephanie, for supporting and guiding us in making healthy changes this year!!!