It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a post-holiday funk. Now that the festive lights have dimmed and the New Year’s ball has dropped, you might feel utterly drained—I know I did! On one hand, it was wonderful to be out and about, soaking in the energy of the season. But now, I’m looking forward to some quieter days, and reflecting on what lies ahead for me in 2025.
As the new year kicks off, it’s hard to escape the buzz around resolutions—those bold declarations of change we all feel tempted to make. Everywhere I turn, whether on TV or social media, there’s talk of dieting, weight loss, and rigid food rules.
But for me, I gave up on New Year’s resolutions quite some time ago. Instead, I focus on setting intentions for the year ahead.
A resolution often feels strict and rigid, like a hard line you either stick to or don’t—leaving little room for flexibility. That’s probably why so many resolutions fade into distant memories by February. Intentions, on the other hand, feel more open and forgiving. They’re not about perfection but about progress, presence, and alignment with what truly matters to you.
When you set intentions, you create space to focus on the “why” behind your desires. It’s about cultivating habits and thoughts that feel nurturing and aligned with your deeper needs.
This year, I am continuing to lean into intentions around intuitive eating—a practice that nurtures trust and connection with my body.
If one of your goals is to nurture a healthier, more intuitive relationship with food and your body, here are some ideas to inspire you:
“I intend to listen to my hunger and fullness cues.”
This means paying attention to when you feel physically hungry or satisfied. By tuning into your body’s signals rather than following external rules, you can develop a deeper sense of mindfulness around eating.
“I intend to eat foods that make me feel energized and nourished.”
This isn’t about labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, it’s about noticing how different foods affect your energy, mood, and overall well-being.
“I intend to approach eating with curiosity, not judgment.”
If you eat past fullness or crave certain foods, let go of guilt and ask yourself what’s behind the behavior. Are you feeling tired, stressed, or in need of comfort? Curiosity opens the door to self-awareness and healing.
“I intend to respect my body as it is right now.”
This intention shifts the focus from changing your body to caring for it. Respect might look like wearing clothes that fit comfortably, speaking kindly to yourself, or allowing time for rest.
“I intend to move my body in ways that feel joyful and sustainable.”
Movement doesn’t have to be about burning calories or meeting exercise goals. Let it be about pleasure, connection, and how it makes you feel. Dance, stretch, walk—choose what lights you up.
I believe that the new year doesn’t have to be about restriction or self-criticism. Instead, it can be about freedom, nourishment, and deep self-care. By setting intentions around intuitive eating, you create space to rebuild trust with your body. And at the end of the day, we’re at the center of our own lives. We’re the ones in control of what we say yes to, what we let go of, and how we treat ourselves. There’s something so empowering about stepping into the year feeling centered, motivated, and truly in charge of your well-being—don’t you think?
As a licensed Clinical Behavioral Therapist and Intuitive Eating Counselor, I’m here to help you integrate these practices into your life. If you're interested in working with me, feel free to reach out at rachel@livehealthynyc.com