Many people want to start the new year by resolving to become healthier. While this is a great idea, many people fall short of making their New Year’s resolutions stick throughout the rest of the year. Here are four tips to help you get on the right track and make changes that will last throughout the entire year.
1. Don’t go too fast
Whether it’s changing your diet or increasing your exercise, trying to do too much too soon often results in fatigue and failure. Pick a couple easy resolutions instead of a total overhaul and add to those successes every couple of weeks.
An easy New Year’s resolution could be to cut out high calorie liquids, such as soda, sweet tea, shakes and juice. You can also try limiting desserts and fast food to one to two times per week.
If you haven’t been exercising, trying to exercise every day might not be feasible. Choose activities that get your heart rate up, and do those activities three to four days per week for 15-30 minutes. Add two to three minutes per week to your time until you are up to 45-60 minutes, then try adding another day until you are exercising four to five days per week.
2. Add color to you diet
Most of us do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help with weight loss, reduce cholesterol and help manage blood sugar. Fruits and vegetables are also beneficial for colon health and are packed full of vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables of different colors contain different vitamins and antioxidants, so adding a variety is beneficial for your health. Make a New Year’s resolution to try one new fruit and vegetable each week. The goal is to eat five fruits and vegetables per day. You may have to work your way up to this, and that’s okay.
3. Buddy system or tracking
Having a friend or family member who has similar goals and can hold you accountable may help you stick to your plan to become healthier. You can also use an online tracker or mobile app to track your food intake and exercise. Tracking your exercise and food intake will help you avoid mindless eating, and you will be able to see your progress toward these lifestyle changes.
4. Pamper yourself
Many of us become run-down by the business of our everyday lives. You will feel better if you find ways to ensure you get adequate sleep, which for most people is around seven to eight hours per night.
Finding a good outlet for stress can also improve your overall wellness and help you stay on track with other goals. For some people this outlet might be a stretching class like Pilates. For others it could be a morning walk, a massage or a quiet time every day to read. Some people may need more help to de-stress, such as stress management classes or counseling. Figure out what works for you, but don’t forget your mental health as you try to improve your wellness in the coming year.
Last Updated: February 4, 2019