5 Steps To Keep Your Healthy Resolutions

5 Steps To Keep Your Healthy Resolutions

Tip #1 – Watch what you eat

Don’t buy into fad diets. They’ll leave you hungry and most of the time won’t work for you long term. Instead, look for ways to make better food choices that will reduce the calories you consume and increase your nutritional intake.

Try these ideas:

  • To help you develop portion control, use smaller plates at home. If you eat lunch or dinner at a restaurant, put half of the serving in a to-go box for a later meal.
  • Switch from white to whole-grain breads. And substitute fat-free or low-fat dairy products for the full-fat versions.
  • Fill up on fruits. Try them for snacks or choose them for dessert.
  • Want to eat less at lunch and dinner? Start with a hearty bowl of broth-based soup or a green salad (with light dressing, of course).

Tip #2 – Choose an exercise you like

Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, so it’s important to find a physical activity that you truly enjoy. Whether it’s playing a team sport like soccer, participating in an individual sport like swimming, or practicing a fitness routine like yoga, the key is to make it fun and engaging for you. If you find yourself getting bored, try switching it up or consider finding a workout buddy or taking a class to keep things interesting.

Tip #3 – Set goals

To effectively achieve your New Year’s health resolutions, it’s essential to set specific and attainable goals. For example, a realistic weight loss goal could be one to two pounds per week through responsible eating and moderate exercise.

For exercise, set achievable targets to improve your consistency and performance. You could aim to do some form of high-intensity exercise three times a week. Short-term goals that can be achieved in a few weeks can boost motivation, while long-term goals for several months or a year can help maintain focus and momentum.

Tip #4 – Reward yourself

Incentivize yourself by rewarding your accomplishments. Did you achieve the weight loss goal you set for yourself? Did you manage to exercise for at least three days every week for a month? Did you go six weeks without consuming sugary soda? Treat yourself to a new outfit, a day at the spa, a movie, or a new book. Many successful individuals reward themselves every week with a cheat day. They indulge in a special food or take a break from their exercise routine for the entire day.

Tip #5 – Forgive yourself

No one is perfect. So when you slip up, accept it and move on. When you’re trying to control your food portions, don’t despair if you chow down on a big burger one day. Just get back on track at your next meal. When you miss a day at the gym, don’t use that as an excuse to skip the rest of the week. Get back in the groove the next day.