Making Healthy, Realistic New Year’s Resolutions (and Keeping Them)
A new year kicks off a fresh start, greater perspectives, and for many, a new set of goals and resolutions.
According to a YouGov poll conducted last December, 37% of Americans said they would plan a New Year’s resolution. Similar statistics within the past 3 years have been also been shown in Statista’s global consumer survey, and an Urban Plates/Ipsos poll.
Most new year goals center around eating healthy, physical activity, or losing weight. However, as the weeks and months fly by, the motivation and upkeep of those resolutions tend to diminish.
In fact, as much as 80% of people fail their resolutions within the first 6 months of the year.
The biggest reason for failure? Setting unrealistic goals. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or increase your steps, accomplishing your health goals is possible, and it can be a fulfilling experience.
Let 2023 be your year of health and wellness!
To get you off to a successful and confident start, here are 4 tips to help you accomplish your health focused resolutions for 2023:
Start with Small Changes
Instead of making a large overhaul to your diet or lifestyle, try making small, realistic changes that result in a big impact.
For example, one mini goal might be taking a 15-minute walk after dinner at least three times per week.
Looking to eat healthier? Try increasing your intake of whole grains by gradually increasing brown rice into your white rice, until you’ve grown familiar to it.
Overtime these small changes will lead to your ultimate wellness goal.
Stick to One Goal at a Time
Expecting to achieve numerous goals within a single year might overwhelm you and impact your confidence. Instead, focus on one or two goals that are specific, realistic, and achievable.
For example, rather than creating six different goals surrounding a healthy diet, think about a small change that you could keep up with and make a big impact.
Consider, “I will eat at least one fresh fruit with breakfast each day for the next 3 months.”
Once the three months deadline approaches, reflect on your success, then consider maintaining the goal, leveling up, or reworking it.
Discipline Yourself
Prioritize discipline over motivation with your goal. Motivation may come and go but discipline is something you do and choose to do. Motivation to do something is something we can’t control, discipline we can.
When we might not feel like doing something, instead of resigning; discipline and conquer. And remember, developing habits take time so be patient with yourself.
Actions such as getting the right amount of sleep or exercising regularly, are key examples of self-discipline.
Keep Track of Progress and Results
Celebrate your successes as you work on your goals by identifying what success looks like.
For example, if you’re looking to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet, you may want to say your goal is eating one serving of each a day.
Track when you’ve achieved that for the day, celebrate the win, and look forward to the next opportunity to reach that goal tomorrow.
Start the year off with these healthy and delicious recipes:
Interested in learning more about eating a balanced diet? Our Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables program provides free, exciting workshops on a host of nutrition and wellness topics. Email our nutritionist, Alyssa Advincula for more information: aadvincula@feedingwestchester.org.
For other nutrition questions or inquires, e-mail our nutrition resource manager, Monique Marshall at: mmarshall@feedingwestchester.org.
Our mission is to nourish our neighbors in the fight against hunger.
We envision a community where all people have access to the food they need today, and the fundamental resources to build a better tomorrow.
Feeding Westchester is registered as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, Tax ID: 13-3507988