Realistic New Years Resolutions

 

It happens every year, ask anyone what their New Years Resolution is and it's probably something like "lose weight", "go to the gym", or "go on a diet". While these are not bad things, but the problem is people too often set their goals too high and fall off the wagon. The trick is to set realistic goals

for yourself.

Here are some resolutions you can try to be more successful in 2015:

1) Strive to eat better. Don't just eliminate foods, but instead add more healthy food options. Grab an apple instead of a bag of chips, or opt for whole wheat/whole grain over white breads/starches.

2) If you are not a fan of the gym, but still want to get exercise, find a fun alternative like joining an adult sport league, taking a dance class, or workout routine like Zumba or yoga.

3) Drink more water. Swap out sugary drinks like soda or iced tea for water. Drink tea instead of coffee. Try not to add anything to your drinks like artificial flavors, sugar, milk, etc. If you are not a big water fan, add fresh fruit to give it flavor and some added nutritional bonuses.

4) Sleep more! Eating healthier and exercising is great, but one thing Americans are terrible at is relaxing! Sleep is so important both mentally and physically. Give yourself a bedtime, even if you haven't had one since you were 10, strive to be in your bed, even if you know you won't fall asleep right away. Also avoid TV or electronics too close to bedtime. Instead listen to calming music or read.

5) Document everything. Keep track of what you eat in a diary, you can write it down the old fashioned way or use an app on your smartphone (I recommend MyFitnessPal or NikePlus). Take photos of yourself, see the visual changes to your body, not just the numbers on the scale.

6) Take a start weight and end weight, from the New Year to the end of the year (or if you have a shorter length goal because of a wedding or some other special event). DO NOT check the scale between your start and end date. It's not all about the numbers on the scale. Make it about your body, how it looks, feels, and fits into clothes. Instead of measuring pounds, take body measurements or go by clothing sizes.