FINISHING STRONG IN 2023

We are getting ready to close out 2023 and, for many of us, we are ready to be rid of the old and bring in the new. We know it has been a difficult year for many of you mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. We also know that as you try to adapt to your ever-changing environment (never knowing what each new day will bring your way), depression, confusion, doubt, concern and fear all can play a part in how you decide to eat.

And let’s not forget anxiety and stress. We talked a lot about stress over the last year, and we have even discussed how many foods even cause stress within our bodies chemically. They get our cortisol, insulin and other hormones pumping and can really wreak havoc on our best weight loss goals.

Our attitudes can tend to get in the way. Our attitude is defined as our settled way of thinking or feeling about something. It’s settled. We’re determined. A settled attitude is typically reflected in a person’s behavior. That’s what we mean when we talk about our mindset. Our mind is set – it’s our settled way of thinking. The thoughts you allow into your mind and speak with your mouth will determine that attitude. Your thoughts will determine how well you accomplish your goals – or if you will even care to attempt them. They are so very powerful. If you want to succeed, you have to have the mindset that you will finish well. Not that you will be perfect and never struggle, but that you will not give up.

The bottom line is that you have to be proactive in doing something to keep from diving headfirst into all the holiday temptations and letting unhealthy desires take control of the wheel. You actually have to think about it, and not mentally give up or throw in the towel until January.

You have goals and desires and you matter. You see, no athlete sees the finish line and slows down. The finish line for 2023 is just around the bend. Successful people are connected to action. They keep moving, and they make mistakes… but they don’t quit.

While you are walking into the food battlefield for the next several days, try to keep a healthy perspective on things. Even if you don’t lose weight over that time, but don’t gain weight either (when you usually do this time of year), that’s still a win!

Just don’t give up. You know, we don’t know for sure what 2024 holds for us all. We never could have come close to imagining the last four years - so who knows. The point is, you are always going to encounter adversity. There will always be difficult times. We are all faced with difficult decisions in life, and obstacles are never-ending. Just never give up!

A good way to end is to tell you how much we love and care about you, and to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!