Full disclosure: I don't like the concept of New Year's Resolutions. They represent a false manner to say that you will do things, and then forget about them by, say, today.
But I do have a suggestion for something to do in 2010 that can help you keep on track. This is not a resolution, doesn't require much of a time commitment, and it's usually free.
If a grocery store in your area has tours given by dietitians, take advantage of the opportunity. Sure you probably know what you are doing in eating well. But a good reminder is never a bad idea, especially when trying to maintain permanent changes.
Find out if your local grocery store has a tour. Or check in with a dietitian in your area and see if someone offers this kind of help.
If this option is available, go ahead and sign up. The tours usually last a couple of hours at the most, and you may find the time very well-spent.
Typically, you get to walk down the aisles, examining the foods, getting insight. Or perhaps it's a "classroom" setting where samples of foods are laid in front of you.
There are tons of opportunities to ask questions. Sometimes, the golden nuggets of information come from hearing other people's questions. So even if you are shy, listening may be just what you need.
Sometimes, you can walk away with coupons or free samples.
Should you take notes? Depends on your style, but at least bring a pen. You likely would get paper, sheets with information to take with you.
Each individual session may be set up differently, so bring your flexibility.
The dietitian might explain things that you already know; think of it as reinforcement. However, you may be surprised that the dietitian slips in some knowledge you might not have.
The early part of a new year is a great time to have good nutrition instruction drilled once again into your head.
If you need a sample of what goes on, this event was tied in to coping with a food desert issue in a Chicago neighborhood. There likely won't be photographers at your grocery store tour.
(More full disclosure: I know the dietitian socially that is mentioned in the article.)
If you still aren't convinced, I can tell you from personal experience that even though I knew a lot of the information in these tours, I always learned something new. And I still take them occasionally, because this is an ongoing lifetime process.
The tours can also be useful to see someone in a place where you used to be. You can see a little bit of what you might have been. And your perspective can be inspirational to that person.
Struggle is a part of what goes on in learning to eat better. Eating right isn't something you learn and then never use again. Doing so requires a lifelong commitment.
Dietitians have what they call "continuing education," where they have to go and learn more about the world of nutrition. So take advantage of their continuing education by continuing your own education about tips to do better when it comes to food.
And that will last longer than any New Year's Resolutions you can make and then break.
What a great idea! I a a resolution girl, and never knew they gave tours of the stores, thanks.
Posted by: Adagio | February 02, 2010 at 02:17 AM