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Food Noise

Reflections and intentions for the New Year

Published 3 days ago • 3 min read

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Food Noise from Carrie Dennett

Reflections and intentions for the New Year

Looking forward, looking back

December 30, 2025

I spend a decent amount of time talking about the benefits of being more mindful — aka being aware of the present moment intentionally and without judgement — because it’s far too easy to find our minds are anywhere but in the present moment. Instead, we’re ruminating on something that’s already happened or worrying about something that might happen.

But there are times when looking to the future or looking back to the past are helpful. For example, looking to the future is obviously essential if we ever want to plan something (vacations, what’s for dinner this week) rather than flying by the seat of our pants. And looking to the past can help us uncover the roots of less-than-helpful entrenched behaviors and habits — a sort of excavation work I do frequently with clients when looking at how past messages about food, eating and bodies impact them today.

But on a lighter note, I think the turning over of the yearly calendar is a good time to look back (to reflect) at the previous 12 months and look ahead (set intentions) to the coming year.

There’s no shortage of prompts for both reflection and intention-setting, but these are some that I’ve found helpful. I’ve included them right here in this email, but if you prefer something printable, you can download a PDF right here.​

Part 1: Reflections

  • One thing I’ve learned about myself this year is...
  • My biggest challenge this year has been...
  • One learning I’m taking from this challenge is...
  • One thing I am so glad I said ‘yes’ to this year is...
  • Something I’ve let go of this year is...
  • Three people who’ve supported me this year are...
  • I now know these things about myself...
  • If I could rewind 12 months, knowing the year I’ve had, I would say to myself...

Part 2: Intentions

  • Three words I’m taking forward into 2026 are...
  • If I were to create a one-sentence vision for 2026, that sentence would be...
  • To bring these words to life, I would need more...
  • And less...
  • One small action step that could move me towards my vision for 2026 is...
  • What support do I need to ask for in 2026?
  • Self-care in 2026 would include...
  • This time next year, I’ll be so glad that I...
  • My top three priorities for 2026 are...
  • One phrase or idea I want to take forward from this time of reflection and intention is...

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​Disclaimer: All information provided here is of a general nature and is furnished only for educational purposes. This information is not to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to an individual’s specific health or medical condition. You agree that the use of this information is at your own risk.

Have a happy, healthy and safe New Year!

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What My Clients Say...

"Carrie has been so beneficial to work with. I am navigating gut issues, intuitive eating and revamping my views on my fat body/value. Working with Carrie has given me the opportunity to dive deeper into these complicated facets. She has space for the tough issues, supported by her wealth of knowledge and expertise. I have been able to question old stories that do not serve me anymore and get helpful materials/resources I did not previously encounter. " ~ Amanda F.

Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN is a weight-inclusive, non-diet, body positive registered dietitian nutritionist offering 1-on-1 nutrition therapy to adults of all ages and genders who want to heal from eating disorders, body dissatisfaction and digestive issues.

Three ways people work with me:

  1. 1-on-1 in my Food & Body Nutrition Therapy and Body Image Counseling program, my IBS Management program, or my general nutrition counseling services.
  2. By reading my blog posts and Seattle Times columns.
  3. By reading my book "Healthy For Your Life: A Non-Diet Approach to Optimal Well-Being," listening to my Audible Original course "Mindful Eating," and following me on Instagram.

I hope you benefit from these emails, but if you'd like more help improving your own relationship with food and body, hit "reply" or click here to fill out my contact form! You can also jump to the head of the line and book a free 20-minute Discovery Call with me.

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Nutrition By Carrie, LLC | 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246

Food Noise

I'm a weight-inclusive nutrition therapist, author and journalist who is super serious about helping people have a more peaceful, less complicated relationship with food and body. I also have a take-no-prisoners approach to nutrition and health B.S. in the media. Yep, it's gonna get loud, but I'll also bring you a lot of, "Whew...that's good to know."

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