The start of a new year can sometimes feel like the perfect opportunity for “new beginnings” and a time when we are motivated and optimistic to make positive changes in our lives. Oftentimes, this motivation and optimism can fade away over time. To combat the fallout of fading resolutions, try these tips to keep your health a priority in 2019.
Smart Goal-Setting
The first step to keeping a resolution is to make it a good one! The type of goal you make can set you up for success when your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Rather than making a broad, generic goal such as “eat healthier” or “exercise more”, really think about what changes you want to make in your day-to-day life and what you are truly motivated to improve upon. Examples of smart goal-setting could be:
Fill half your plate with fruit/vegetables at your evening meal.
Try one new recipe every week.
Plan a family or friend focused meal or potluck every month.
Go out to eat less than 2 times per week
Train to run in the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day 5 mile race.
Make a Plan
Knowing and identifying the barriers that can keep you from accomplishing your goals is a great way to be able to plan around them. For example, if you make a goal to go out to eat less than 2 times per week – brainstorm some of the possible roadblocks to your success. If boredom with the same homemade meals is an issue, try to add in a new weekly recipe to your mealtime mix. Perhaps a lack of time is another reason to go out for dinner – try keeping things on hand in the house for those last-minute meals, such as frozen veggies, soup starters, and pastas. Set reminders on your phone or on a sticky-note to help hold you accountable and keep you on track.
Goals vs. Values
While it is great to focus on your health by setting goals, the concept of “crossing off” your health goals from your to-do list isn’t ideal. Rather than making a goal to exercise more, try thinking instead of valuing physical activity. When we think of values, they are typically things that are life-long. Valuing physical activity, nutrition, mindfulness, etc. in addition to making short-term goals will keep your health a priority in your life beyond the month of January!
Written by our in-house registered & licensed dietitian, Claire Domian
Claire Domian is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian in the state of Missouri. She is a St. Louis native that received her B.S. in Dietetics from Fontbonne University. Claire’s interests are in culinary nutrition, cultural foods, and food writing. Her philosophy is that food does more than nourish and feed us, but that it brings people together to create shared experiences.