If you are already falling off the resolution wagon, chances are you need to look at why you are having trouble keeping your resolutions rather than viewing yourself as a failure. The tips below can help get you back on track.
So what is the key to sticking with your New Year’s resolutions? Set specific, realistic goals and don’t try to overhaul your entire life at once. If you are a couch potato, don’t set yourself up for failure by pledging to work out for an hour everyday. Set small goals, like walking or biking 3 times a week or losing 10 lbs in two months. Reaching your goals will help keep you motivated for the long run. It is also important to find out which type of physical activity you enjoy. Don’t join a gym if it isn’t conveniently located on your way to or from work (or if you are too unsure of yourself to step foot in one!). Do take group fitness classes if you find you aren’t motivated enough to walk/run/bike/do a workout DVD at home by yourself. Trying a lot of different activities will keep you from getting bored and challenge your body in different ways. Ask a friend who is already fit or who is looking to get in shape to join you for a morning walk or jog a few times a week.
If your resolution is to eat healthier, try incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet rather than forbidding certain foods. If you tell yourself you can’t have chocolate or chips, you are going to crave those foods even more. Instead try to fill up before breakfast with a fruit and veggie smoothie, vegetable soup or an apple as part of lunch, and a small green salad before dinner. You might find you aren’t as hungry for the more unhealthy options, or, at the very least, you will be less likely to overindulge once you’ve filled up on fruits or veggies. When you crave dessert, make sure you opt for something with built in portion control such as a pudding cup, frozen fudge bar or snack sized bags of chips.
Timing is important to helping healthy habits stick. If you are in the middle of a major life change, such as a career change or relocation, now might not be the time to make huge modifications to your every day routine. Also, accept that you are human and are going to slip up—and it’s ok! The most important thing is to get back to healthy eating or exercise or not smoking right away. A slip isn’t a free pass back to your days of unhealthy living. Keep your resolutions realistic, your goals manageable, and your attitude positive, and you will see the results you want!
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