It seems everyone has a suggestion when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions. Many of them have to do with being healthier, enjoying life more, or becoming a better person in some way. The intentions of these resolutions are always good, and people who have already decided on a resolution are one step ahead of me! The downfall to New Year’s Resolutions is how long they last. Like strict dieting, anyone can do something for a short period of time. Only the realistic and achievable resolutions are likely to change your life. So if you can’t set a goal that is realistic and achievable, might as well not set one at all, right?
Take for example, a woman I know who didn’t drink coffee for a year. Wow, that is impressive. As of Mid-December 2011, she had stuck to her goal and now she is anxiously awaiting January 1st. Stop right there. She is going back to drinking coffee? Maybe she has the intention of not drinking as much coffee in the long run. I’m not sure, but that is more achievable and realistic. Good for her that she did it with a New Year’s Resolution to quit for a year. I’m too chicken for that one. My top three resolutions are goals that I have seen work for people throughout the year, and are obviously health related! Be careful if you choose one of these; make sure you set the resolution to be specific and within your reach.
The first of my top 3 favorite resolutions is to eat out “less often.” I put that in quotes because “less often” is of course relative. Deciding on a number of times you will eat out in a week is necessary to be able to measure your success with maintaining your resolution. Personally speaking, two times a week is my limit, and I can stick to that. Other people might have business lunches, or eat out due to evening activities. In any case, limiting that number is a great resolution, and makes the resolution more achievable and long term. Not only is it healthier, but another reason I like this resolution is because it hits on another hot button… budget!
Another resolution I love to hear is exercising “more.” Again, I put this in quotes because “more” means different things to different people. I suggest going for a steps goal because it almost guarantees to get you more active, and doesn’t always require a trip to the gym. Have an active day at work, or chasing kids, and you will avoid having to go for a formal workout. However, this resolution requires the use of a pedometer, or some other measure of steps taken. I suggest starting with the goal of increasing your current steps by 1,000, and arriving at a final goal of 10,000 steps per day, when possible. To give you a general idea, one mile is equal to between 2,000 and 2,500 steps, depending on your stride. People who walk or run regularly can far exceed the 10,000 step goal, so this resolution may not be the most challenging to them.
The last resolution of my top 3 is to drink more water. Again, I’m all about getting more bang for your buck with a resolution, so drink more water! You will feel better, look better, and possibly lose weight, if that is your desire. You might also save money, depending on if water replaces your trip to the coffee shop or drive through window.
By all means, determine what goal will challenge you, and which ones will reap the most rewards. I still haven’t decided what mine will be, but it might be something not at all related to nutrition. Perhaps spend less money on myself, and more on charity, which of course requires more specifics such as amounts and what kind of charity I’m donating to. Spending more time each week with my kids is another hot button. Designating a game night, or a time of day to relax on the couch with a book and two little ones who won’t be little for much longer is also something I want to do. Resolutions help put goals into action and require accountability, which helps everyone who is trying to achieve something new.
My New Favorite Coffee replacer: Steaz zero iced teas, available at Whole Foods are 100% organic green tea, have no calories, and are all natural. I love the peach mango!
