Be Prepared to Crush Your New Year’s Goals
Are you making big plans for 2017—for instance, losing your extra weight and becoming fitter and healthier? Earlier, I talked about why it’s absolutely crucial to get yourself in the right frame of mind before you start making big lifestyle changes like these. However, that’s just the first step in setting yourself up for success. Today, as part of my New You in the New Year campaign, I’ll tell you why it’s also smart to prepare your friends and family—and even your home—before you tackle those New Year’s resolutions. Here’s how to do it.
1. Get your peeps on board.
The more allies you have, the easier it’ll be to reach your goals. So talk with supportive friends and family members about what you’re doing, and tell them how they can help. For instance, if you’re starting my Bone Broth Diet, ask your friends and family to avoid bringing taboo foods to your house. Instead, see if they’d like to join you in trying out healthy recipes like the ones in my Bone Broth Cookbook.
Also, be prepared for lots of well-meaning questions when you’re dining with friends and family. I’ve found that it’s a good idea to plan out a response ahead of time. For instance, I have a “dinner party pitch” I give to people who ask me why I eat the way I do. Here it is:
“I love being healthy, feeling really energized, and looking my best. Eating real, unprocessed foods gets me there. The concept is simple, really. It’s just eating foods that my body metabolizes and digests best, so naturally I function better. This lifestyle is easier than you think and I actually learned to adapt almost every dish I used to eat. The food tastes fantastic. For me, it’s a no-brainer. I love the food, I look better, and I don’t feel sluggish anymore or deal with any health conditions.”
When I give this speech, people are typically very receptive. And as a bonus, people who are initially skeptical often decide that they want to try my way of eating!
2. Create a winning environment.
Making a lifestyle change takes courage, and at times you may be tempted to give up and go back to your old ways. One of the best ways to stay strong is to create a home environment that fosters success.
For instance, if you’re planning to start my Bone Broth Diet, I want you to clean all of the taboo foods out of your fridge, freezer, and pantry. And I mean all of them. A-L-L. If you let even a single “no” food stay—even that ancient, frost-bitten burrito in the very back of the freezer—that’s the food you’re going to reach for in a moment of weakness.
Equally important, load up on the “yes” foods on your diet. Make sure you have tons and tons of high-quality proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. Buy grab-and-go foods like hard-boiled eggs, healthy lunch meat, and prepackaged salads. And be sure to stock up on the foods that can help you combat the “carb flu”: olives, coconut chips, and avocados.
Download a copy of my Yes and No foods.
Finally, prepare your home in ways that go beyond food. Buy new exercise equipment. Download new fitness apps. Post affirmations on your bathroom mirror to keep you inspired. Make space in your closet for the clothes you’ll buy when you lose your extra pounds. Draw a happy face on your calendar each day you successfully follow your diet. All of these actions will help you create an environment that says, “You can do this!”
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If you’ve followed my whole New You in the New Year series, you’re all set now for 2017. You know your goals. You’ve analyzed your strengths and weaknesses. You’ve prepared yourself mentally—and you’ve prepared your friends, your family, and even your home. You know where you’re going, and with my Bone Broth Diet, you have a roadmap to get you there.
So be confident, be brave, and be bold. You’ve got this!