With the holidays behind us, many people have begun thinking about goals for the new year. New Year's Resolutions are a sticky subject for lots of people. We've all had the experience of setting a goal for the new year only to fall flat on our face by the time February rolls around. However, the New Year does seem like a perfect time to "start fresh," so many people attempt to make new health goals during this time. Here are some tips to make sure you're on the right track as you evaluate your goals for the coming year.
1. Set Attainable Goals
One of the biggest mistakes people make is making goals that they simply can't keep. If your goal is to exercise 6 days a week and you're currently not exercising at all, it will be easy to be derailed by a missed day at the gym. Starting small by, for example, trying to walk 15-20 minutes 2 or 3 days a week, can help you build momentum as you try to incorporate new habits. If your goal is to eat more vegetables, don't resolve to eat them at every meal. Perhaps make a goal to plan a few into your weekly meal plan, or to prep them one day a week to start. It's much easier to build on small wins than to to pick yourself up after perceived failure.
2. Make Them Positive
Goals to do things like "quit eating sugar" or to "lose ten pounds" are by nature not motivating. The second we tell ourselves a food is off limits, it becomes all the more tantalizing. Rather than focusing on habits that you want to quit or things you want to cut out, focus on things you can add. For example, instead of, "I want to eat fewer processed foods," which can demonize processed foods and make you feel like a failure when you eat them, resolve to cook more at home. Instead of a goal to lose weight, try adding something that actually helps to improve your overall health, like time to engage in a hobby to help reduce stress, a quick walk after work, or some snacks during the day to help prevent becoming overly hungry.
3. Expect Imperfections
So your goal was to cook at home twice per week and it only happened once (or not at all!). This happens to everyone...you're not alone! It doesn't mean you're a failure or that your goals are worthless, and it certainly doesn't mean you'll never change. Many people get derailed at this point because they see an old habit creeping back and feel defeated. Nutrition and health aren't all-or-nothing. Rather than giving up, try to learn from the experience. Why didn't you cook the night you'd planned to? Did you forget? Try setting a reminder on your phone. Maybe you had no idea what to cook or forgot to get groceries, so you resorted to getting takeout. Perhaps next time you could plan a meal or two before going to the grocery store so you have what you need on hand. By examining why a goal or intention wasn't met rather that determining you'll never succeed, you'll likely gain insight into ways you can be successful in the future. It's a process, and it's not perfect for anyone.
Ready to elevate your nutrition and well-being? Whether you're in Manhattan, Kansas, or elsewhere in the State, Rethink Nutrition is ready for you! Choose insurance-based in-person or virtual sessions with our expert dietitians, trained in areas like functional nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, intuitive eating, and weight concerns. Schedule with our dietitian team to start your journey to better health today!
"My experience working with Sydney at Rethink Nutrition was wonderful! She helped me see that consistency and balance are an important part in being healthy, and she taught me how to work towards food freedom. It was easy to be honest about challenges, and I was always met with patience and new solutions to try. There were so many days I wanted to give up on recovery, but her encouragement and advice helped me keep going. If you're struggling but hesitant to see a dietitian, I would suggest Rethink because you deserve the care and support to get better. Sydney is truly amazing at what she does. She's my hero!"
Drew Davis
Drew Davis
"I rarely leave reviews for anything online, but I have to say that Anna Binder and the team at Rethink Nutrition genuinely changed my life. After suffering from IBS and acid reflux for years, it only took a few months with Anna's treatment for me to be almost completely symptom free. I have so much more knowledge and control over my health now than I ever thought possible - not to mention that I can eat without hardly any restrictions or concerns anymore. Could not recommend enough!"
Dunia Harmison
Dunia Harmison
"In just over a week of working with Anna, I feel great! I no longer feel the need to lay down during the day, my face is clearing up, and I'm no longer feeling bloated by foods that I eat. If I'm feeling this good already, I'm excited to see how much better it gets in the coming weeks."
* Results can very. Testimonials are the result of clients committed to changing their health.