Hi there friends, it has been a while. I haven't forgotten you. As I mentioned on my Facebook page, just because my website is quiet, doesn't mean I am not working hard! Check out this amazing website WellSeek I have been writing for. It is an amazing mind/body/soul/nutrition/wellness website with all material written by dietitians and other nutrition professionals. ALL of the information can be trusted and they have a strong social media presence so you can easily follow along on Twitter or Instagram for their latest articles. I have also had several recent TV segments which you can find on my appearances page.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for Real Food Court in 2017. A new website, a new logo (sneak peak below), new services, and SO much more is in the works. Major things have been happening over the last 2 months.

logo sneak peak!!!

Today I want to talk about accountability. It is that time of year where we are insanely busy and tempted by less healthy foods just about every day causing a lot of us to lose sight of our goals. Most people wake up January 1st vowing it will be a better, healthier year. Well I am here to tell you it doesn't have to wait. We have 12 days until the new year and as I have mentioned time and time again, CONSISTENCY is the key to success. If you spend the next 12 day without regard for your health, it will make January 1st THAT much harder.

One of the best ways to stay consistent with your goals is to be held accountable. Just like all of you, I am busy, busy, busy. Work, clients, business development, (still) getting settled into our new place, no gym membership, after work obligations, cleaning, cooking....and on and on and on. Honestly, the last 2 weeks I had a lot of trouble fitting in workouts. I did what I could and didn't let myself feel guilty, but with a few days at home and extra indulgences on the horizon I want to make sure I stay feeling good and guilt free! Unfortunately, I knew it was going to be extremely tempting to put my workouts (and myself) last these next two weeks. Then, I had a friend encourage me to do a fitness challenge with her and low and behold I am making time for workouts this week. This accountability has made a world of difference! Saturday I would have said I was hungover; Sunday I would have said I had a cold; Monday I had to go somewhere after work and didn't get home until late; and then I would have been here Tuesday doing my only workout for the week. Having someone nudge me and say listen, you can do this, we can do this, lets talk out how you can make time and lets get these workouts done, gave me the mental power to want to do it. Sure I was up extra early yesterday and today, but I knew I couldn't skip out because my friend was counting on me to keep her motivated as well.

Being accountable doesn't need to be about exercise; it can be about anything related to your health. For me, I feel better and eat better when I have exercised and treated my body well, especially around the holidays. Your goals may be different. Maybe you want to make sure you are eating breakfast everyday, maybe you want to sit less during your work day, or maybe you want to limit yourself to one sweet treat in the office per day. Whatever the case may be, accountability of some sort is a guaranteed way to make it happen. Here are my tips for staying accountable this holiday season. Pick a health goal, and get accountable NOW.

some ways to stay accountable:

1. Phone a friend.

Seriously. There is bound to be a friend or family member who is trying to improve or maintain their health or weight. Ask them to stay on track with you. Daily texts, snaps, emails, or calls for check-ins will help.

2. Write it down.

Write a list or put it in your agenda. Keep a notepad on the fridge so you see it constantly. Trying to be active daily? Write down the time you will exercise each day. Want to stop eating office cookies mid morning? List what you will have for breakfast each day. Force yourself to write down something aimed towards whatever it is that you are hoping to accomplish. Cross it off when it is completed. This will keep you focused and keep your goals in the forefront of your mind.

3. Reward yourself.

This time of year we spend a lot of time doing for others. Setting a goal for yourself and knowing there is a reward at the end can help you hold yourself accountable. Don't reward yourself with food! Buy yourself something, get a pedicure, get a massage, or take a relaxing bath.

4. Be realistic.

Be realistic with what you are trying to accomplish in the next 12 days. For instance, it is not realistic to say you will lose 10 pounds by the new year. Unrealistic goals are exactly what will stop you from ever getting there. You are setting yourself up for failure, disapointment, and discouragement. Instead, pick something you know you CAN stick to with just a little bit more effort or mindfulness. Knowing it is a doable will help you keep pushing yourself to fulfill your goal day after day.

So what are you waiting for?! I hope it's not January 1st. Make an action plan today and feel good now.

Still struggling? Sign up for a package of sessions with me and let's set your goals together and let me be the one to hold you accountable to your goals!