Every year we wake up on New Year’s Day with expectations. Expectations of ourselves, others, and what the year to come should look like. Many of these expectations revolve around food and our bodies; some healthy and some not so much. 

I am here to tell you that your resolutions don’t need to have anything to do with the way you look, cutting out a food group, or your new exercise regimen. You don’t even have to come up with a resolution if that’s not your thing. 

I am also here to tell you that I support any decision you make to better yourself, grow, and become the person you know you can be.  A new year is A GREAT TIME to set goals (anytime is a great time to set goals if we are being real) and a new year provides a new force of motivation that you should absolutely take in and hold on to. 

So what should you resolve to do if it’s not food and exercise? Resolve to get enough sleep and to taking time to meditate. Resolve to take more time for loved ones and to take time without your phone. Resolve to volunteer more and take actions that make you feel happy for longer than a “like” on Instagram will.  

These resolutions will improve your overall health in more ways than cutting out carbs could ever do.  

If nothing else, resolve to improve your relationship with your body and with your food. 

Don’t let unrealistic expectations diminish your shine and defeat your year before it has even started. Let yourself grow in positive ways and let yourself glow with the knowledge that simple, mindful changes can improve your life and health.