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- Tips to Succeed in Your New Year-Happy 2019!
Did you know in 2018, the most popular New Year’s Resolution was to get healthier, get more exercise, and save more money? And that 80% of New Year’s Resolutions are broken by the second week of February (Boston Insider)? Below are a few ways to succeed in your New Year’s resolution for 2019!
Set Specific Goals If you want to be accountable and measure the amount of time and effort you will put into making healthier changes; incorporating S.M.A.R.T. are beneficial.SMART goals are (S) Specific, what you want to do? Lose 10 pounds? (M) Measurable, weigh yourself every morning, measure lost inches around waist? (A) Attainable, how are you going to accomplish goal? What resources do you have? What resources do you need? Possibly, a scale, tape measure, or a health coach? (R) Realistic/Relevant, how much effort will you put into your goal, what can you do? (T) Timely, how long will it take to accomplish goal (3, 6, or 9 months.)
Start Small If you want to run a marathon, you have to first run a mile. Planning to walk or run every day for or work a mile every day, you can increase the time you walk or run daily and to be able to run a marathon. It is recommended to complete 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day. Consult with your physician prior to beginning any regiment. Use Fitness Apps to keep you accountable including MyFitnessPal, Strava, Runkeeper, and Googlefit to track exercise, GPS, and calorie counting.
Change Your Behaviors If you are used to eating out for lunch, you can pack a healthy lunch. If want to reduce fat from your diet; bake, grill or boil your food instead of frying and cook with extra virgin olive oil. Staying physically active; clean around the house, stand instead of sitting, take the stairs instead of elevator. More ways to change eating behaviors: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/harvard-to-usda-check-out-the-healthy-eating-plate-201109143344
Share with Friends and Family Small goals deserves praise. Share your lifestyle changes with family and friends. If you are changing your eating habits, such as reducing sugar in your diet, let family members know at the next gathering you will bring a fruit bowl as the dessert. If you lost 2 pounds, your clothing is loser, you did not drink any sugary beverages, and/or you walked, share successes with family and friends and do not forget to write it down.
Don’t be Hard on Yourself You’ve accomplished your goals and made it passed the second week of February, continue to set SMART goals, change behaviors, share with family and friends, and be proud that you will continue your healthy lifestyle journey!