Now that the dust has settled in with the “new year, new you,” I’m checking in to see how you’re doing? This is the time when enthusiasm begins to wane, and those “uh oh moments” tend to creep in. You know… Uh oh: you just ate four cookies when one probably would have been fine. Or uh oh: you barely moved your body all day long. Or uh oh: you sat down for one glass of wine…which turned into two…or three…or a whole bottle.

Guess what? It’s okay! We all get off track from time to time, because – hello? – we’re human. And when that happens, the most important thing isn’t berating ourselves, or judging ourselves, or resolving to be twice as good from now on.

It’s getting curious.

(Curious??)

Yes! Instead of sinking into self-criticism, make an about-face towards self-discovery. Instead of “what’s wrong with me?” ask “why did I do that?” – and you just might uncover something that’s been troubling you (and something you can proactively address)!

This doesn’t come easily! But it’s a proven way to make your January intentions last longer and have a greater impact on your life than holding yourself to impossibly rigid standards (then tossing them aside over one little misstep).

So this year, instead of making hard line rules, just keep going. We’re always evolving, and staying inspired can be a challenge. But when you find yourself coming out of an “uh oh moment,” this post will be right here for you, with seven of my favorite totally doable ways to nudge yourself back on track and make the next chapter of your food story the best one yet.

Uh Oh Moment: You catch yourself indulging in a bad habit from your past – one you thought you’d left behind.

Simple Solution: Evolve your food story. When you actively evolve your food story, you acknowledge and accept that your past might set a precedent, but it need not be your present. By stepping back and looking through a different lens at how your story is unfolding, you take on the authority to make new, active choices that serve you better.

Uh Oh Moment: You feel blah, bloated, or just off – and you don’t know why.

Simple Solution: Listen to your body. Set a reminder on your calendar, an alarm on your phone…anything to push you, in the midst of your busy day, to step back and check in with yourself. Ask yourself about your most basic needs: “Are you too cold?” “Are you hungry?” or “Are you tired?” Schedule an early morning spin class, head out for an afternoon walk, or unwind with your favorite yoga sequence before bed. Release the labels and check in with your body more often, and you’ll find yourself eating (and doing!) more of the “right” things.

Uh Oh Moment: You know you’re hungry, but nothing sounds good – or everything does.

Simple Solution: Ask yourself this one question. Instead of being reactive to your food choices, proactively choose your food depending on your desired mood. All it takes is one simple question: “How do I want to feel?” Once you know the answer, simply cook and eat accordingly. So: do you want to feel Focused? Healthy? Happy? Radiant?

Uh Oh Moment: You’re stressed about the state of the planet – and you feel totally powerless to do anything about it.

Simple Solution: Waste less in your own kitchen. “Greening” your life is a process. And just like changing your mindset and eating habits, it works because you are aware that you want to change, not because you are suddenly perfect! Every little step counts, and most are so simple, you won’t remember a time before you started doing them.

Uh Oh Moment: You feel stuck, and you can’t seem to get out of your rut.

Simple Solution: Share your food story. One of the bravest and most empowering ways to begin rewriting your story is to share it. When your stories remain unprocessed, they can zap your life force energy, literally draining you of your vitality. You don’t have to stand in front of a crowded room and bare your soul; you can tell a close friend. Or, if you’re not quite ready to talk about your story, try journaling (for your eyes only!) about what you would like to shift.

Uh Oh Moment: It’s almost dinner time, and you can’t stand the thought of preparing a meal in a messy, cluttered kitchen.

Simple Solution: Make your kitchen an inspiring place to be. Your kitchen is a place built around connection: cooking for yourself and others, and sharing meals together. Make room in your kitchen for you, and take a look at your ever-changing habits. Be sure that you’re not living an outdated means of purchasing and eating. Transform your kitchen into a place of respite (even if that just means a few moments alone washing the dishes and looking out the window) and you’ll look forward to your peaceful moments there.

Uh Oh Moment: You know you want to feel different – but you’re overwhelmed, and you don’t know where to start.

Simple Solution: Add this one practice to your day, every day. Your Daily Non-Negotiables are simple, healthy practices that you commit to, every single day, no matter what. (Because you feel infinitely better when you actually do them.) Whatever yours are, they should be simple and specific enough to fit into your daily life. Committing to just one small act each day will help you get grounded – and give you the momentum to keep going.

Remember: as long as there are New Year’s Resolutions, there will be new and frustrating ways to break them. But if you commit to rewriting your food story over the long run, you’ll put your healthy intentions on the menu long past 2019. So, this year, get curious! Ask yourself why you’re feeling this way, or craving this food, then refer back to this post and take action. After all, a story never ends – and you get to write the next chapter.