Ways of Improving Health Without Focusing on Weight Loss

~ Natalie Thompson (APD, CEDC, Acc SD (Provisional)

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This time of year many people fall victim to dieting and the lure of the ‘thin me’ dream and set New Years’ Resolutions related to losing weight or changing the body’s shape and size.

If you choose to set New Years’ Resolutions, I encourage you to set ones that do not set you up for failure and pain from trying to change your body.

If you think that losing weight improves your health, think again.

The following is a list of 52 things that will add to your health regardless of what your body shape, size and weight naturally does:

  1. Quit smoking.
  2. Give up weighing yourself – Don’t skip meals. If your body needs to eat – eat. If your body needs to go to the toilet – go to the toilet and so on.
  3. Trust your body.
  4. Listen to your body.
  5. Honour your body’s signals.
  6. Be kind to yourself.
  7. Do not judge yourself or food.
  8. Do not compare yourself to others.
  9. Have a social media detox.
  10. Have regular screen-free time.
  11. Wash your hands.
  12. Drink enough water.
  13. Get enough sleep.
  14. Move your body most days – Walk, stretch, cardio, strength, yoga, pilates, team sports
  15. Clean your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, toothbrush and dental floss.
  16. Plan and prepare your meals.
  17. Cook your meals.
  18. Eat a variety of food listed in the core food groups – i.e. breads and cereals, vegetables, fruit, meats, dairy, fats and oils and non-core food groups some of the time.
  19. Eat foods higher in fibre.
  20. Eat mindfully.
  21. Eat intuitively.
  22. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
  23. If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation according to the Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol.
  24. Enjoy the great outdoors.
  25. Wear sun protection – clothing, hat, sun-cream, sunglasses.
  26. Attend regular health appointments.
  27. Eat less salt – Try using herbs and spices.
  28. Laugh.
  29. Smile.
  30. Meditate.
  31. Journal.
  32. Listen to music.
  33. Find a hobby and do it regularly.
  34. Take some ‘me’ time.
  35. Spend quality time with friends.
  36. Spend quality time with family.
  37. Moisturise your skin.
  38. Focus on good posture.
  39. Declutter your home.
  40. Declutter your to-do list.
  41. Set clear boundaries with yourself and others.
  42. Wear clothes that make you happy and fit well.
  43. Rest.
  44. Relax.
  45. Be curious.
  46. Be creative.
  47. Be grateful.
  48. Do a good deed for someone.
  49. Build resilience.
  50. Have a positive mindset.
  51. Enjoy the simple/little things in life.
  52. Do not put things off. Live your life now!!

How will improve your health?

For support, contact me, or if DIY is more your style, grab a copy of ‘30 Days to a Better Relationship With Food and Body’ ebook.

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