10 Things To Do This January Instead Of Dieting

Everyone has an opinion about the start of a new year. It’s great if you’re excited for a *fresh start* — a chance to sit down and figure out your intentions and purpose of this year. But I’m concerned if you think a fresh start means a clean slate to start a new diet. There are so many better things you could do instead of dieting this January. Here’s a list of 10 things I’m personally doing instead of dieting this month.

1. Learning a New Language

Okay, so I’m not going to master a new language this month, but I’ve been practicing my Italian and Spanish. This has been a goal of mine FOR SO LONG, and with all the extra time not spent dieting, it’s a perfect thing to try.

2. Practicing My Art

I’m not an artist by any means, but I do love a good craft. Whether it be scrapbooking, embossing (yes, I actually have an embosser. Judge me.), watercoloring, or coloring an adult coloring book, I find using my creative side to be one of the only things that truly relaxes me.

3. Curling Up to Watch This Is Us (which is back Jan 9!)

Whether you’re also a This Is Us fan (#PittsburghForever) or you have another favorite tv show, these cold temps make me want to do one thing: find the softest blanket I own and curl up with some hot tea or hot chocolate to enjoy a nice evening of my favorite shows.

4. Trying a New Recipe!

My plans for this weekend include trying a new crockpot chicken parm pasta recipe. I’m puuuuumped. I’ll definitely take pictures and let you know how it goes. What foods are you avoiding because you think you should?

5. Reading a Book

I’ve got a long list of books, and I used to feel kind of guilty for not reading them fast enough. But I figure if I can learn one thing each day from a podcast, book, or sermon — something that can help me be a better person — then I consider that a success. Currently listening to: Garden City on Audible and reading the sixth book of the Chronicles of Narnia. (If you haven’t read those as an adult, I highly suggest it. #MindBlown.)

6. Planning a New Adventure!

Diet food, calorie counting, and cleanses are time consuming, so I’m using my saved time and mental capacity to figure out where I want to go this year. So far I’ve got Boston this month, Europe in March, and a couple more trips later in the year. Spending money to see the world > spending money to manipulate your body…… errryday.

7. Calling My Family

I try to call a family member or friend daily, and I’ve been making it a point to call more than just my immediate family or best friends. Everyone likes to be thought of, so try reaching out to an old friend who you haven’t talked to in a while and let them know you appreciate them.

8. Selling My Clothes

In an effort to need less, I evaluate my clothing/shoes/etc situation pretty frequently. I’ve sold a lot of clothes in the last year, and I feel like I’m almost satisfied with how far I’ve come. So I’m still going through and making the effort to reduce the total amount of *stuff* I own. 

9. Saving Money

Let’s be honest. The diet industry is not cheap. Whether it’s $$$ for juice cleanses, fancy food, or whatever, I’m definitely saving money by not participating. And I’m using that money for future travels and maaaybe a manicure now and again. (Seriously have only gotten like 1 manicure in my life, so this is probably happening soon.)

10. Participating in Life

Dinner dates, movies, lazy Saturdays, last minute ice cream (even in frozen temps, yes), lunch outings, and more! There’s so much to experience when you can remove the pressure to diet. You are not your body. You live in your body. Don’t let it dictate your relationships, experiences, and overall well-being. You are worth more than that.

What are you doing instead of dieting this January (and year!)? I’d love to know : )