Dear Dr.Kim,
I am planning my New Years Resolutions and wondering what foods I should avoid.
N.N. Victoria
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Dear N.N.
I love the start of the New Year (and September) as a natural time of reflection and an opportunity to reset, pivot or evolve my plan. Commonly, at the New Year, people look to “get healthier” –they want to up their exercise and cut out certain foods such as sugar or alcohol. Counter to planning a double down which sends a message of work harder, be more disciplined, I would encourage you to build this years plan focused on nourishment; physical nourishment and mental-emotional care. The double down is often short-lived in course and rife with judgment of success or failure, which does nothing helpful for mental health. Instead of swinging the pendulum and knocking out the common culprits of health compromise in a black and white move –shift your lens to the richness of health building habits that help impart a virtuous path.When you focus on nourishment your nutrition choices and health habits will naturally align with a more moderate view and nutrient quality will soar. When you focus on nourishment, it feels good, is more individualized to your needs, and helps remove self-judgment. Nourishment is self-care while “don’t eat sugar this month” can lack substance (pun intended).
Here are some tips for actions that nourish … see which ones resonate with your needs
- Put time into planning your weekly menu and prepping food for the week
- Go for a walk … spend time outside
- Drink herbal teas that have health boosting qualities
- Use essential oil
- Listen to music … play an instrument
- Read more
- Spend time organizing
- Drink more water
- Spend time with friends
- Make or buy some plant-based dips for vegetables and crackers –cashew cheese, hummus, and black bean dip. Nutritious and delicious can co-exist.
I hope this focus on care helps you cruise smoothly into the New Year.
“Health from the inside out.”
Dr. Kimberly McQueen BSc, ND is a Naturopathic Physician in Victoria, BC. In addition to her clinic work she has been a consultant to the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, Camosun College, Rugby Canada and Rowing Canada. P:778.433.4935
