What’s Your New Years Resolution?

It’s almost the start of 2014! A New Year means new beginnings and the start to a BETTER YOU!

Do you remember what your resolutions were for 2013? If so, did you accomplish your goals? The New Year is a great time to start new goals or dream new dreams but people often make the mistake of making their goals too out of reach. Many of us have a goal to lose weight, starting exercising or just eating better overall. These are wonderful resolutions but they need to be REALISTIC!

With all the health insurance changes this is the perfect year to kick yourself back into gear. Many companies offer more affordable health plans if you’re a healthy individual. Pay less for health insurance, make less doctor visits AND feel better about yourself? I really can’t find a better reason, so start making those resolutions! Here are some tips to get you where you want to be:

1) Set small goals that are reachable: If you need to lose 50 lbs to be at a healthy weight, don’t make your target 50lbs. Set a goal of 5-10lb loss first. This is a much more attainable goal and once you find you CAN lose the weight you’re much more likely to stick with your resolution!

If you’re trying to eat healthier it’s very difficult to get up one day and change your diet completely. I’ve tried it a hundred times and it usually lasts 2-3 days…sometimes only to the afternoon. First, try changing out one meal to a healthier choice. Breakfast is extremely important to kick start your day. People who eat breakfast are more likely to lose weight/maintain a healthy weight because they’re kick starting their metabolism.  So why not swap out that Dunkin’ Donut breakfast sandwich for oatmeal, eggs or a smoothie?

2) Be SPECIFIC: Don’t make your resolution, “I want to lose weight.” Thats great, lose one pound and you’re done! Set a target weight or inches to lose so you know exactly what you’re working towards.

Trying to healthy? What does “healthy” mean to you? Choose foods that you want to/should eat more of (lean proteins, fruits, veggies, whole wheat) and foods you want to eat less of. DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF. Allow yourself to have a cookie once in a while, small indulgences every so often will help you stay on track. You just need to be able to eat ONE cookie and not five.

3) Set a time/date: If you set your goal out too far away you’re less likely to meet it. For example, I wanted to lose weight for a friends wedding and it was about 6 months away. I kept saying “I’m going to lose 20 lbs before the wedding.” My goal should have been, “I’m going to lose 5 lbs a month” That would have held me more accountable. There were too many times where I said, “Well, I still have 3 months left, I’ll be fine.” Low and behold, I did not lose the weight I wanted to. Blah.

4) Make it a competition: If you’re a competitive person this is the way to go. If you want to start working out again find a work out buddy. This will be the person who will make you go on the days you don’t want to and visa-verse. Make a goal of how many times you want to work out per week…. if you know your partner went one more time then you you’re going to feel guilty. It’s a great way to hold yourself accountable.

5) Make a Visual Board: This may sound childish but it really does help. Write down your goals in a place you can see. Your kitchen, your bedroom, or maybe right next to the television. Put pictures of you when you were at your goal weight, a celebrity or someone your find inspirational. inspirational quotes, and maybe a box to check off each time you reach a target. However, DONT COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE. Everyone’s body and mind is different.

6) Make it FUN!: I hate running…I’ve personally just never enjoyed it so I don’t include it in my workouts. If you set a goal that includes things your don’t enjoy you’re never going to meet your resolution! You need to find substitutes. Try different classes and activities that you think you might enjoy. You’re bound to find something. If you hate kale, eat more spinach. Don’t make yourself do things you don’t like. You have to be creative! A personal trainer is also a great way to go if you can afford it. When you reach a goal, reward yourself but not with food!  Go buy those shoes you’ve been wanting or buy some new workout clothes. (You’re more likely to hit up the gym if you like your outfit!)

“The only person you should be better than is the person you were yesterday”-unknown

Make 2014 the year you finally meet your resolutions! No matter what they are, big or small, they’re important to you and can lead you to a better life. Cheers!