While we still have some holiday celebrations ahead of us, the New Year is also around the corner whether you are ready or not. Some studies say that the average person gains twelve pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. No wonder the top two resolutions in 2017 and 2018 were to begin a fitness regimen and second; to eat better. Both of these goals ranked higher than saving money! So eating healthier, being physically fit and saving money would make for a banner year! It’s within your reach to achieve all three. By setting aside a few minutes at the beginning of each week to plan a menu, make a shopping list, and scheduling workouts, so they become as routine as brushing your teeth will get you back on the path to wellness.
Establish a Goal
Those who have lost weight and kept it off for five years or more view their plan as a lifestyle and not as a quick fix. It is their new norm. They exercise regularly and stay accountable with weekly or regular weigh-ins to avoid backsliding. Reflect on the positive from last year, were you able to decrease your sugar intake or increase your water intake? Maybe this year commit to eating more vegetables, consuming less processed foods or logging 10,000 steps every day.
Make a Plan
Whatever you decide to improve, make it your new norm and establish a plan. Take for example the goal of eating more vegetables. When you are planning your weekly meals, be sure to insert two servings of vegetables at each meal and make sure all of these vegetables make it to the shopping list. Then review to ensure that the list contains approximately 8-10 vegetables. Without planning, they never will make it into your refrigerator so you can prepare them!
Evaluate
As quick as January came, it will be over, and Spring will be around the corner! It’s a good idea to check your progress a little before Valentine’s Day, that’s roughly 5-6 weeks into the year. Have you increased your vegetable intake? If yes, that’s fantastic, keep up the great work! If not, what were the obstacles that kept you from doing so? Maybe you made your meal plan for the week and put them on the shopping list, but couldn’t find the time to prepare them. Modify the plan to including washing the vegetables the night before, or making a large salad at the beginning of the week. In other words, we must continue to Plan, and Evaluate the Plan to see if it is working, if not modify the Plan or establish a new one and Evaluate again.
This process is ongoing; we can use this method with all of the goals we listed above and others that you may have in mind. Set aside the time now to make your plan for the New Year and you’ll be on the path to wellness!
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