The season of apple cider martinis and sparkling cookie trays is over; ‘tis the season of dieting and restriction. Sound fun? I don’t think so. Every year, millions make resolutions to lose weight, join the gym, get fit.

Like most, I get excited for a new year – hello, Twenty Twelve! – for the chance to reevaluate, to tweak less-healthy habits, to change.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably here because you already have a liking for health and fitness, or perhaps you’re looking for the inspiration.

Maybe you’ve made a few health-related goals for the new year – lose eight pounds, run five miles every day, eliminate all chocolate from your diet (gasp!).

Hold up! Take a minute – right now. I mean it… stop reading and tune into your body. Are you hungry? Did that small bowl of cereal with skim milk satisfy you, or are you uncomfortable in your seat after mindlessly eating three plates of pesto pasta?

What is your current relationship like between your thoughts and the food on your plate? Is it friendly? Be honest.

I recently devoured the book, Intuitive Eating; its 10 core principles have significantly helped with my own personal eating mindset and relationship with food, and I’m hopeful that the ideas of this “theory” can bring a fresh approach to your new year.

What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive eating is an approach that teaches you how to create a healthy relationship with your food, mind, and body—where you ultimately become the expert of your own body. You learn how to distinguish between physical and emotional feelings, and gain a sense of body wisdom.

It’s also a process of making peace with food—so that you no longer have constant “food worry” thoughts. It’s knowing that your health and your worth as a person do not change because you ate a food that you had labeled as “bad or “fattening.” – Intuitive Eating

The Basics

1. Reject the Diet Mentality
2. Honor Your Hunger
3. Make Peace with Food
4. Challenge the Food Police
5. Respect Your Fullness
6. Discover the Satisfaction Factor
7. Honor Your Feelings Without Using Food
8. Respect Your Body
9. Exercise—Feel the Difference
10. Honor Your Health

How does that sound? Are you intrigued? For more insight on Intuitive Eating, check out: http://www.intuitiveeating.org/

This year, instead of striving to transform your eating habits into an unrealistic healthy, clean, “perfect” diet, transform your mindset. Rather than analyzing the food label on your next granola bar, analyze the connection between your thoughts surrounding your body and how you chose to nourish your body.

Here’s to a healthy-mind, happy-body New Year!

Hillary, Nutrition Nut on the Run