Wins and Lessons

I have resolved or rather vowed to make 2022 a rebuilding year. A return to more of the healthful practices I teach and fewer of the things that I lose sleep over. More whole food plant based eating; higher quality goal driven workouts; read more books and research; study Spanish (again); and stress less over struggling brick and mortar gym businesses while building an online business presence for the next stage of my career. In the month of January I had some wins. I logged great workouts, a 31 day streak of Spanish studies, and closed the doors on a gym that was weighing me down. Wins! Great job me. I had however done very little to eat appreciably better or to grow my online presence. Lessons. Learn from them and adjust motivation or strategy. While these are both extremely important to me they are things I need to learn more about and prepare better for. That is the lesson here.

This morning I awoke to a bit of a hangover. Not the alcohol induced kind but rather the kind that can come from a cheat day. I have not been strict about my eating but have been limiting added sugar. Last night's third of a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Americone dream ice cream was a little cheat. A simple treat to enjoy at the end of a day that didn’t feel intrinsically rewarding. By definition a treat is an item that is out of the ordinary that gives great pleasure. Does my ice cream qualify? Maybe the first bite or two does. The subsequent bites were more akin to an addict getting a fix. This morning I awoke to a sensation of stiff fingers, bubbly guts, and a raw feeling on my tongue like I’d been licking sand paper in my sleep. Treat? Maybe not as often or in as much quantity as I’ve typically allowed myself. It feels a bit more in hindsight as a punishment. Perhaps a punishment for not managing my time or stress better; for not getting a power nap in or getting to bed earlier; or for too many grains yesterday leaving me feeling like I had the munchies all day. Only the first few moments may have qualified as a treat.

With these insights I will refocus today. Eat a little cleaner and get back off the added sugar. Do some research to find some whole food plant based recipes that resonate with me. I’ll listen to my body to give it what it needs rather than react to habitual impulses. More on habits coming soon. Hit the reset button and proceed again. Progress rather than perfection.

Enough about me. How are you doing? Are you on course with your goals and resolutions? Are you celebrating your wins and making note of your lessons?

Be Well,

Garrett Stangel, MA

Health and Performance Coach

Lifestyle Medicine Coach