Maintaining Momentum: Sometimes along the journey to greater health, or any change really, we just lose steam, and it is often difficult to figure out what to do in order to keep working towards our goals. It might even seem easier to go back to our old habits. If you want to reach your goal, though, if you want to transform your eating to support your body and mind, then you’re going to have to overcome any lull in momentum because we’re in this for the long haul.

Here are a couple of quick tips –

1. Do one right now thing that moves you forward…Whatever goal you’ve decided to go for, think of one small thing that keeps you aligned with it. Maybe it’s a workout or a snack or meal that fits your plans. Maybe it’s journaling or finding a new recipe to cook or sitting down with a cup of tea. Figure out just one little thing that reconnects you to what you want, and then do it.
2. Envision the future…Take a few moments every day to picture what your life will look like once you’ve reached your goal. Whether it’s something specific, like a particular body composition, or something more general, like consistently eating in a way that supports your health, envision all the details of your life once you’re there. Picture your daily life and imagine the energy that you’ll have, the clothes you’ll wear, the people you’ll be with, the activities you will do. The more detail you can add, the more your brain will get the message that this is where you’re going. The key is getting your brain on board – unequivocally.
3. Tell yourself that you’ve got this…Seriously, more often than not, we lose momentum because we’ve allowed ourselves to entertain mental negotiations or negative self-talk that leaves us doubting whether or not we can achieve what we want to or even if we deserve it. Here’s the deal – if you want it, go for it! You are absolutely worthy and capable. If your momentum has taken a hit and you feel like giving in, it’s time to say (yes, even out loud) that you want what you want and why.
4. Love yourself…Never forget that a little bit of self-care goes a long way. Every journey is bound to have some rough days, but if we can find a way to see the joy and pleasure in working towards our goals, then it gets just a little bit easier. When faced with the desire to give in, do something special for yourself – take a bath, read a book, take a walk, just sit. There are so many ways to indulge, even for just a moment, that can break you out of the pattern of giving up. Disengaging from the negative spiral and doing something loving for yourself can help you get back on track.

Your goals are important. You are so worth it. And you can totally do it!

Before I go, I thought I’d share which dinners made the list for this week, just in case you were looking for some inspiration.

Sunday – Sautéed scallops with cauliflower “risotto” / Monday – Chicken picatta with roasted brussels sprouts / Tuesday – Bacon burger with guacamole and bell pepper strips / Wednesday – Italian meatball soup / Thursday – Pork tenderloin with bacon-pecan shredded brussels sprouts

I hope you are all having a wonderful week! Remember, keep your attention focused on how you will feel when you reach your goal and go for it! Don’t let any more time go by. Your goal is important and so are you!