Resetting For the New Year: Moving Through the Grumpy Middle and Finding My Rhythm

If I’m being honest, the middle of this reset has felt… grumpy.

The second week came with year-end work stress and a few other things layered on top, and I could feel it in my mood. What surprised me — and what became very clear as I moved toward Week 3 — is how closely my emotional state is tied to how (and what) I eat.

Food, Mood, and the Power of “Heft”

One thing I’ve noticed is that lighter meals don’t always serve me well during stressful weeks. When a meal feels too light, I slip back into grumpy or snacky mode much faster. Meals with a little more heft — not heavy, just grounding — stick with me longer and help stabilize both my energy and my mood.

A standout meal was a simple but satisfying salad:

• Chili-seasoned chicken with enchilada sauce
• Roasted sweet onion and mini bell peppers
• Avocado
• Black beans for extra staying power

That combination made a noticeable difference. I felt fuller for longer, calmer into the evening, and far less tempted to snack just to take the edge off. It was a clear reminder that sometimes what I need isn’t “lighter” — it’s more balanced.

This has me intentionally adding beans to meals as a way to create comfort and fullness without defaulting to beef, which works for me but isn’t always what I want.

What I’ve Been Eating Lately

As I moved out of the grumpiest part of Week 2 and into early Week 3, meals started to feel more supportive again:

• A simple stew with carrots and onions (no potatoes)
• A new one-pan kielbasa dish with onion, cabbage, mini bell peppers, and kidney beans
• A Mexican-inspired chicken salad with roasted peppers and onions, black beans, avocado, iceberg lettuce, and a little vegan ranch

Nothing fancy. Just meals that feel comforting, grounding, and realistic.

Progress Beyond the Scale

I hit 162 on the scale this week — and that felt really good.

I’d love to dip below 160 before the end of the month, and as we move beyond January, my longer-term target is 155. The scale hasn’t moved as quickly every day, but the overall trend is still downward, and I’m learning not to panic during slower stretches.

Even better than the number?
👉 My jeans are getting looser.

I may need to start wearing a belt again soon — and once I hit 155, I’m planning a reward: a new belt buckle. Maybe one shaped like an H.

My Current Eating Rhythm

My days have settled into a rhythm that feels natural rather than forced:

• Morning: water only
• Midday: a shake
• Later: leftovers or an early dinner
• Evening (sometimes): a small snack

Evening snacks, when I have them, are usually:

• A few nuts
• A few slices of cheese
• A very small bowl of berries or melon

I’m still a little snacky at night, but it’s manageable — and I’m actively working on slowing down, eating with intention, and checking in with my body before reaching for more.

Adding Fruit (Gently and Intentionally)

I’ve also started adding in small amounts of fruit:

• A banana one day
• Half a banana blended into my chocolate shake another
• A handful of blueberries
• A little cantaloupe

So far, this feels supportive rather than triggering cravings — another sign that I’m finding a better balance.

Looking Ahead

I haven’t been perfect about documenting meals — life happens — but I’m planning to gather more photos and recipes as we head toward an end-of-the-month wrap-up.

This reset isn’t about perfection or rushing results. It’s about paying attention, adjusting as I go, and choosing what actually helps me feel better — physically and emotionally.

More to come.

 

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