There never is really a "time of year" when nutrition is NOT on someone’s mind. Whether you are thinking about your physical appearance, the types of foods you eat, trying to be more physically active, or doing what you "should not be doing," the idea of nutrition is the underlying theme.

In response to any of these feelings, we try to implement small changes in our lives. Sometimes, we implement larger changes that do not last. While a series of smaller changes is usually recommended in order to reach the overall goal, knowing what to change is key. Grossly eliminating foods from you life may not be the worst idea if you are someone who binges (not to be confused with binge-eating disorder) on sugary/fat-laden foods or beverages. If one cookie will set you off to eat a baker’s dozen, perhaps it is best to stay away. However, for the most part, complete elimination of the foods you enjoy usually leads you down the road back to that food, only to be eaten in excess once again. Choosing to eliminate the foods you enjoy that are not the healthiest options is not a "fad" nor is it "cool." In a matter of speaking, it is setting yourself up for failure. Keep your nutritional goals attainable and realistic.

As for larger-scale changes, it is best to implement those once a few smaller changes are underway. Make sure that you are in the right mindset to handle easy-to-make changes before taking on something that will involve more effort, time, and mental readiness. Example: deciding to go to the gym three times per week might sound like a great idea, but is there time in your schedule for that? Do you already have that time to spare, or do you have to give something else up to make room for it? Considering all of your options before undertaking a challenge such as that is the most responsible way to ensure complete compliance to taking the steps in reaching your goals. Choose small tasks that help you attain your larger goal easier, for example: going to the gym once a week for a few weeks, then twice per week, and so on. Whatever your overall goal is, jumping in head first may result in drowning before you even learn to swim.

As we know at The Sage: Nutritious Solutions, "diets" don’t work and changing behavior is difficult. The Slice Plan is a great way to help you learn how to eat the right foods as part of your current eating regimen. It was developed with YOU in mind in order to help you make smarter choices about all that life has to offer you nutritionally. We often tell our clients to think of themselves as a brick castle - with the ability to handle anything that comes their way. Each brick is important to the overall structure of the castle, so it’s best to take your time to make sure each brick is firmly in place before tacking on another. Each small step may seem insignificant to you, but when you look at yourself as the completed castle of bricks, you will see that it was all worth it.