I've been thinking about setting personal health goals for the past few weeks, two of them in specific.
Well, after some consideration, I've come up with two personal health goals I'd like to really focus on this year. They're important to me, they would improve my health, they are a bit of a challenge (I like a good challenge now and then), and I believe them to be attainable with time and effort.
My first goal: Focus on health instead of just looks
I confess that sometimes I put the whole "gotta be and stay thin" mindset as the priority. This isn't to say that looking and feeling slender is bad. I just don't want it to be my main focus. Being thin doesn't automatically = proper nutrition, good health, and being fit.
Focusing on health to means exercising for fun and fitness, not driving my body into the ground to achieve the perfect body. (What is the perfect body look anyway?)
Focusing on health means adding healthier, "cleaner" foods to my diet - more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins - cutting out a lot the extra salt, sugars, grease, preservatives, and other such nonsense. And, of course, all things in moderation! 
Focusing on health also means working on being beautiful on the inside as opposed to just the outside. What am I doing to improve my mind and my soul? Aren't those more important that outward appearances?
My second goal: Downsizing my sweet tooth!
I'm embarrassed, but it's no joke that I have a sweet tooth the size of Texas! (Just ask my husband!)
I don't think having a sweet tooth in and of itself isn't necessarily bad, but I tend to make poor food choices (lots of refined stuff) because of it. That's what's bad. I get sugar "highs" and crashes; I get moody and sluggish. I can't even think clearly sometimes. That's bad. I miss out on proper nutrition. Bad again! 'Sigh' Kind of a sticky situation, isn't it?
Bottom line is I'm most likely addicted to sugar, I'm afraid to admit. Some may say you can't get addicted to sugar, but I believe there is validity to the claim. It's a topic I'd like to focus on in future posts too.
Anyway, this year I want to really learn about and work on decreasing my sugar cravings. And I've already started with my healthier breakfast plan a couple weeks ago, so I'm already off to a good start.
Still, I have my work cut out for me! I believe both goals to be works in progress. I'm not going to put a mandatory completion date on them. Instead, I'll try to listen to and let my body adjust at its pace. As long as I continue to focus on the big picture, meet the smaller steps to achieve it, and continue to improve, I will know I'm on the right track.
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10 comments ↓
I could have written this post! Because I’m thin I have to remind myself often to eat healthy that it’s about more than just thinness. And oh boy do I have a sweet tooth! Great goals and good luck!
I totally agree with you. Back when I was thin, I justified my bad eating habits with the fact that I wasn’t gaining weight. And now I have bad habits, and a weight gain to boot. And a large part of my problem is my love of sweets. I definitely believe you can be addicted to sugar!
Emily,
I hope you felt a little comfort too.
I have to tell you, sharing my personal struggles/goals made me feel a little vulnerable, but I felt it needed to be done. Then reading your comment reminded me that hey, I’m not alone in this. I’m not the only one out there dealing with these things! Knowing I’m not alone is kind of comforting. So thanks.
Lynnae,
Oh, I hear you! It’s hard breaking bad habits, isn’t it? If everyone has an Achillies heel, mine is definitely sweets!!! Well, I plan on exploring sugar addiction and what we can do to overcome it! I believe it’s possible, a challenge nonetheless, but possible.
Have you looked into switching to sugar-free alternatives like Splenda and stevia? I’ve been having more Splenda recently, but I’m not sure if it cures my sweet tooth or encourages it. Another idea is to look into natural healthy sugars like berries.
Good luck! Eating sometimes really annoys me because I’m not sure what the optimal foods are and I like my comfort chocolate.
Lazy Man,
Good ideas. I have a box of Splenda in the pantry; however, I’m not convinced the artificial sweeteners are any healthier or would cure my sweet tooth. Berries, on the other hand, I think is a much healthier choice! Bananas too; they’re pretty sweet. However, when I want – I should say need – a gooey chocolate chip cookie, berries just won’t satisfy.
Down the road, hopefully; down the road! For me it’s about baby steps.
Mrs. Micah,
I really do like fresh fruits and vegetables, but then again I need my ooey-gooey, sweet fixes as well!
Not knowing the best foods to eat can cause confusion and frustration. Rule of thumb: The produce department is your friend!
Yeah, I believe you can be addicted to sugar! I am, without a doubt! I looove sweets! I can’t imagine ever going without them. But I wish I could! They aren’t helpful to me losing weight!!! Help!
Erin,
Take a deep breath!
Let’s figure out this beast called sugar addiction together.
Sugar is addicting. Great focus. I found that removing smaller sources of sugar has helped me get a handle (still working on it) on my cravings. For instance, I’ve removed sugar from my coffee and no longer need it. I’m also using Splenda on things like my oatmeal and other dishes that I would have immediately reached for the real stuff. Little steps are the way to go. You can do it!!!
Thanks, Cindy!
I know I can’t go cold turkey. I’ve tried that in the past with disastrous results!
Yes, baby steps!
I’ve got a box of Splenda in my pantry that I occasionally use.
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