Things to Leave in 2021 this New Year
The New Year is here and it’s time to celebrate! For some, it is also the time to set new goals, new intentions, and new mindsets.
Before setting any resolutions, spend some time reflecting on the year that’s passed. Maybe the goals and intentions you had set came from the wrong place. Maybe diet culture influenced you in ways that you are ready to let go.
Maybe this year, it is time to focus on leaving negative mindsets and behaviors in the past instead of just focusing on introducing MORE to your plate. (For tips on how to set resolutions you can actually keep, check out last year’s blog post HERE).
Not sure what to let go of? Here are some things to leave behind in 2021.
Fad Diets, New Diets, Diets of All Kinds
New year, new diet. A common resolution we are all familiar with. But guess what. Nobody said that you HAVE to start a diet in January. Instead, why not set yourself up for success by finally jumping into the intuitive eating lifestyle once and for all. You deserve to experience a happy and healthy relationship with food. Leave the dieting mindset behind in 2021.
Food and Exercise Guilt
Instead of setting a New Year’s resolution to lose a few pounds, set one to gain some self love. Give yourself grace when it comes to food and exercise.
You are allowed to enjoy the foods you love, when you want them, guilt-free. You are also allowed to rest when your body is asking for rest. There is no need to stress about a dinner out with friends where you might eat different foods and/or may miss a workout. Relax, enjoy, and let go of any guilt.
Labeling Foods
Food is food is food. Food is not good or bad and you are not good or bad for eating it. In fact, labeling foods often has the opposite effect that we intend as we obsess over the foods we “can’t” have.
This new year, throw away the food labels. When we start to view all foods as equally worthy options, the foods we once deemed as “forbidden” lose their novelty. Over time, becomes easier to relax around all foods.
Workout Routines That you Hate
As we often say around here, working out should be fun. Exercise is an act of self care, not a punishment. Just because a workout routine “worked” for you in the past doesn’t mean you need to stick to it for life if it makes you miserable. You won’t “lose progress” by switching it up and trying something new. In fact, you may feel yourself get stronger with change. Instead, experiment with different types of movements, maybe something you have always wanted to try.
Your Calorie Counting App
Make 2022 the year that you honor your body and listen to it. Your body is not a machine that needs the same amount of energy every single day. Even though your body is not a machine, it is still very smart. Your body will tell you when it needs more or less food if you tune in and listen to its cues.
Although this can be difficult for some of us in the beginning, hanging on to your calorie counting app to guide you will not help to heal your hunger cues. Delete those apps this new year and put trust in your body, working with a Dietitian if needed.
Negative Social Media Accounts
Most of us are guilty of it. We follow social media influencers that “inspire” us but are actually just feeding into negative behaviors or mindsets. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that these accounts are bringing us down. Take some time this new year to unfollow the social media accounts that promote diet culture or other harmful messages that are hurting your mindset.
Let’s make it a happy, healthy, and positive year, leaving behind the things that could be holding us back. Make this new year about healing your relationship with food, exercise, and your body. If you spent 2021 struggling in these areas, know that you aren’t alone. Reach out to those around you and seek the support of a non-diet dietitian to help you on your journey.
