Resolutions for a Healthy New Year

January 11, 2012

The beginning of a new year symbolizes new change. For many, the idea of a new start is often symbolized through New Year's resolutions surrounding healthy eating and lifestyle changes. New Years resolutions are often about starting or stopping certain behaviors.

Make 2012 the year to make plans instead of simply resolutions. Take your resolutions and transform them into realistic changes that you can maintain
to make this year your healthiest year yet. Some suggestions to think about...


-Break your big goals into smaller, more specific goals. Then include a listing of realistic changes that you can make in your daily routine to achieve those specific goals.

-Since a New Year's resolution is meant to be maintained throughout the year, evaluate your progress every week or two and update you plan based upon your progress or current circumstances.

-Snack smart by paring fruits and veggies with healthy protein to maintain energy and avoid trans fat filled snacks.

-Break away from consuming excess sugar by cutting back on the added sugars in your diet, and incorporating whole, naturally sweet foods.

-Control stress by exercising, journaling and incorporating mood-boosting snacks like nuts into your day.

-Stretch, stretch, stretch - try incorporating some daily flexibility training to improve balance, flexibility and performance for all your activities.

-Get a good night’s sleep by establishing a relaxing routine in the evening, keeping lights low and avoiding screen time close to bedtime.

-Make your kitchen healthier by doing a thorough cupboard cleaning and tossing the items that are detrimental to a consistent healthy diet.

-Clear your clutter - whether the closets, the countertops or the calendar, finding time to organize and determine the essentials from the excess will restore balance to your routines.

-Finally, take care of yourself! Change is hard and you deserve to be rewarded for your progress. Build in rewards and incentives for goal achievement. And remember, feeling good and enjoying the best possible health will always be the best reward.