3 Biggest New Year's Nutrition Mistakes To Avoid | New Year’s Resolution Tips

When January arrives, the New Year New Me declarations come out too play!
Call it “New Years Resolutions gone wild” if you want…the fact is that it’s a yearly ritual for many dieters.

However, did you know that alot of people approach resolutions in the wrong way?
Did you also know that nutrition related resolutions are one of the most common ones out there?

Breaking news, right? Of course you knew. Perhaps it sounds familiar because I am speaking about you.

The issue is that many people make mistakes with their nutrition which is particularly evident during the new years resolution season in January and February. 

That is why I am writing this blog today, to share the 3 biggest and most common nutrition mistakes I see people make each January like clockwork. It is important you are aware of these and avoid them or address them.

New Year’s Resolutions can take many shapes and forms.

From fat loss to muscle building. From hitting some new PR’s to making yourself feel normal again. From sleeping better to training more. 

You yourself have very likely had (or currently have) some sort of new year “resolution” at the back of your mind at a bare minimum.

I personally am not a fan of the typical New Year’s Resolution approach and have a better way of kicking off your goals - which you can read about HERE.

Nonetheless, I also understand the desire to have one and inherently it is a positive force for good at the fundamental level.

So instead, I am going to help you out for now by sharing some nutrition related mistakes you can make in the new year so you can proactively try and avoid them!

Without further ado…let class commence now. 
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3 New Year Nutrition Mistakes

Mistake #1: Cutting Calories Too Much (And Too Quickly)

One of the most common issues I see after the festive season is the overreaction by many to what was eaten over that period of time.

“Oh no! I ate so much. I feel so guily. Let’s be super duper strict for a while to make up for it!”

Look, I get it. Going from a place where you may have been working on your health and fitness goals to a place where maybe you gained a couple of kilos, can be daunting.

However, understand that this is just an obstacle you can overcome and overcome in a strategic way (not through being hasty and illogical). The reality is that there is a good possibility much of the weight gain is water weight from all the carbs and salt. 

Even if you did gain bodyfat, you will lose it again if you get back on track as soon as you can and focus on the bigger picture.

You should not be cutting calories by heaps in the form of say a “Crash Diet” because this is a temproary quick fix at best for many and is also potentially dangerous. Trust me. 

Sign #2: Starting A Fad Diet

Fad diets here, fad diets there….fad diets everywhere!

Honestly seems that way these days with so many crappy diets floating around and new ones entering without an admission ticket to the evidence-based room. 

That is why you need to be careful not to fall for a fad diet in January because this is the time you are most vulnerable and the guru’s are pushing their misguided narratives.

However, I understand that knowing what is and isn’t a fad diet isbn’t quite that easy for the non-Dietitian’s so I got you!

Here is a 3 step process:

1. Can I see myself sustaining this diet for at least 6-12 months? Yes, ok. No, go away.
2. Is this diet asking me to cut out things or do things that are full on, without any good reason or evidence? Then be very wary.
3. When in doubt, speak to a Dietitian. Get in touch with me and I can help you out personally or stir you in the right direction.

Sign #3: Zero Long Term Focus

If you are not focussed on what you can achieve long term and don’t align your goals with a longer term timeframe and deadline…then do you really have a healthy, robust goal?

Or do you have a temporary fixation of instant gratification?

Hint: its the second one.

While it is understandable based on human nature that we want what we want quickly and easily, unfortunately this is something that won’t serve you in the best way possible when it comes to dieting and health.

Having a long term focus is key to ensure you aren’t just going through the motions with the new years resolutions and giving up by March.

What you achieve in January and February means NOTHING if you end up in June wondering what happened and feeling down on yourself.

Also, this all relates to my approach to new year’s resolutions which is about creating a new lifestyle and life for yourself vs. temporary results that come and go with the seasons (CLICK HERE to read about it).

Recap

Now you are equipped with the knowledge of 3 nutrition mistakes that are SO COMMON during the start of the year especially…so now you have no excuse not to avoid them.

Cut these practices out of your plan and mindset and reap the benefits of a more strategic, balanced, and life-changing approach to nutrition and “New Year Resolutions”.

New year, new you? How about new year, new approach to this game, my friend. 
Now go work on some goals!

Out of curiosity though….

Are you feeling stuck and struggling with your nutrition game?
Not seeing the body you feel happier, healthier, and more confident in?

I may be able to be of assistance. 

If you are ready to take your nutrition and body to the next level and elevate your performance in a way that doesn’t make you want to punch your Sports Dietitian, then let’s chat.

I have developed a 90 Day Macro Sherpa program that is a 1:1 nutrition coaching experience to help start bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be with your physique & performance. 

In this program, I'll personally coach you using my flexible nutrition system to help you harness the power of calories and macro strategy to regain your competitive edge - think of it as a bespoke nutrition solution that empowers you to eat better to achieve better. 

Interested in learning more? Simply email me at: aleksa@theclimbingdietitian.com.au.
Then we can have a chat about this and see if we are a good fit to work together and get you your best results yet. 

Or to apply now to see if you are a good fit, simply CLICK HERE and start the process for reaching your peak potential. 

Coach Aleksa 

Brisbane Sports Dietitian & Nutritionist