Rethinking Diet-Focused Summer Resolutions

As summer draws near, so do the delightful beach barbecues, poolside get-togethers, and sun-drenched picnics. These occasions often lead to indulging in more food, drinks, and desserts than we might usually enjoy. With the onset of the season, many find themselves trying to strike a balance between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and relishing the pleasures of vacation or relaxation.

Before we embark on this journey, it’s important to acknowledge that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying traditional summer treats. However, making smaller, more sustainable changes can pave the way for greater success.

Have More Flexible Goals

A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that individuals with flexible resolutions reported enhanced well-being over time compared to those with rigid goals.

What constitutes a flexible goal? Researchers define goal flexibility as “the ability to view setbacks with equanimity and adjust goal pursuit as necessary.” This positive effect may arise from the capacity to adapt when challenges occur, thereby helping to maintain a sense of well-being.

Allow Flexibility in Achieving Goals

The same 2021 study explored “goal tenacity,” which refers to persistence when obstacles arise. Surprisingly, excessive goal tenacity does not aid in achieving goals; rather, being overly rigid can negatively impact well-being.

Why does too much goal tenacity lead to negative outcomes? Rigidity can make reaching goals more difficult, resulting in an “all-or-nothing” mindset. If progress feels stagnant, some goal-setters might abandon their goals instead of adjusting their strategies. Inflexibility can also be associated with perfectionism, anxiety, and depression.

Be Kind to Yourself

How you treat yourself is vital for your health and well-being. Reaching health goals doesn’t guarantee happiness, nor does it make you more deserving of love and kindness. You are enough just as you are. Make self-love, self-care, and kindness integral to your goals.

Focus on Positive Outcomes and Support

Individuals with approach-oriented goals tend to be significantly more successful than those with avoidance-oriented goals. An approach-oriented goal aspires to a positive outcome; for instance, striving to become fitter and stronger is more constructive than concentrating on avoiding diabetes.

Meal Planning: The Key to Stress-Free Summers

Taking the time to plan your meals for the upcoming week can help you stay on track and ensure that healthy options are available when hunger strikes. Meal prepping can also save time during busy summer weeks, as all your meals will be ready to go. Start by creating a grocery list with all the ingredients needed for each meal throughout the week. Then, set aside some time over the weekend or in the evening to prepare these meals in advance. This could involve cooking batches of grains such as quinoa or brown rice, chopping vegetables for salads or stir-fries, and marinating proteins like chicken breasts or fish fillets.

You can also meal plan for snacks!

Instead of choosing pre-packaged snacks, commit to incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with healthy proteins like nuts, into your diet three to four times a week. There is ample evidence supporting the health benefits of these foods, and most people don’t consume enough of them.

Are you ready to give meal planning a try and see if it can be a valuable tool for you?

Join the 5-day email series: Summer Recipes That Won’t Weigh You Down! and receive refreshing and nourishing recipes each day, designed to help you stay cool, energized, and well-fed all summer long.

Remember to treat yourself gently during the summer season. Embrace flexibility in goal-setting, prioritize positive outcomes, and seek support to enhance your health and maintain well-being throughout the year.

As registered dietitians specializing in diabetes and metabolic conditions, we are excited to assist you!

Are you ready to learn to prepare nutritious, delicious meals that meet your goals?

Book your discovery call today!

Reference: Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063084