With the start of a new year, a new season, or a life milestone, there is an urge to set new goals, start new projects or “reset”. For many, it’s a time to focus on health – whether it be starting a new eating habit or exercising more often. It is well known eating a balanced diet and exercising can lead to better health outcomes, but effort towards health goals often fizzle in the face of busy schedules, commitments and responsibilities. Below are ways to support your goals this year (and for years to come):
- Visualize what your goal will bring: Big changes are a result of consistent small changes. To stick to your goal, visualize your exact intent. An example is visualizing yourself in 20 years, maybe it’s walking around a new city or playing with your grandchildren as a result of your new healthy habit. Bring these visualizations to paper by creating a vision board (pictures of what this goal will bring to you or what it means to you) or simply write descriptions of these visions on paper.
- Be flexible: Create flexibility with your goals and practice self-empathy as challenges are bound to happen. For example, perhaps your gym is increasing their prices that conflicts with your financial goals-you may have to pivot to a new workout routine. Rather than giving up completely, embrace challenges by finding new solutions to still keep your long-term goal in view.
- Baby steps: Rome wasn’t built in a day and your health goal may take some time to reach. Feeling frustrated that results are not happening fast enough can damper your motivation. Change takes time. Celebrate the small wins, for example if you were able to exercise 3 times this week, treat yourself to a facial or
- Identify your “go-to” support: This can be a person or a place. Your support person can be a friend who is clear on what your goal is. Ask them for support if you are feeling unmotivated or frustrated or you may schedule exercises with them, such as walks, to stay accountable. A place could be your kitchen, a supermarket, a restaurant or cafeteria. This place will have options that support your goal, for example – a cafeteria you know has a robust salad bar is a great choice for lunch as you know there will be a healthy option.
As a fresh food company, Unidine’s foundation is based on creating authentic food that offer guests healthy options to help achieve their wellness goals. Look for the green Oh So Good label in your nearest Unidine cafeteria for menu items that are curated for their nutritional benefits and also taste delicious. Oh So Good provides healthy energy through whole grains, lean proteins, a full serving of fruit of vegetable, fresh herbs and spices and healthy fats. Entrees are limited to </=600 calories, </=10% saturated fat, zero trans fat, and less than 700 mg sodium. All menu items include fiber in form of a whole grain source, legumes, fruits or vegetables. Whatever your goals may be in the next year, you can count on Oh So Good options for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Blog author name/credentials
Emmie Burke RD LDN CNSC
Blog author bio: Emmie is the Regional Director of Nutrition and Wellness for Unidine’s Healthcare and Corporate Culinary Groups since April 2018. She has practiced as a Registered Dietitian for 15 years and is Certified as a Nutrition Support Clinician. She supports clinical nutrition, wellness and patient services programs for Unidine partnership hospitals around the country and is passionate about leveraging Unidines fresh food approach to improve the lives of customers, patients and clients.