The New Year is here! I often hear whispers of New Year’s resolutions floating in the air. Have you made any for yourself? Are there ones that you make every year, yet can’t seem to stick with? If so, ask yourself why that is. Why were you unable to commit?
The secret to goal-setting success is to figure out the WHY. You must understand for yourself why this goal is important and think about what those outcomes would mean for you. Challenges will always arise in life, but if you understand why it’s important to you, pushing through those challenges become easier.
The second key to success is understanding that results don’t happen overnight. It takes time and you must set realistic expectations for yourself. Be patient and trust that you will be successful.
If I could suggest three tips that would help you stick with your healthy eating and weight loss resolution, they would be this…
- Control your portions. Cutting back, regardless of the food, will ultimately help reduce calorie consumption and get you closer to your goal.
- Don’t give up the foods you love to eat. Oftentimes, making a food forbidden will only make you desire that food even more. Learn how to enjoy all foods within a non-restrictive mindset. Remember tip #1 and enjoy your favorites in a reasonable portion.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. They have numerous health benefits and are lower in calories and fat than many other foods. When you focus on adding nutritious foods to your diet, richer, more caloric foods are naturally displaced. The mindset of adding foods, rather than removing them, can have a positive impact on the way we think about our food choices.
If weight loss and/or eating healthier are goals for your New Year, perhaps working side by side with a Registered Dietitian could make 2018 the year you stick to your New Year’s Resolution! The registered dietitians at Avance Care can provide you with guidance, help you to set up realistic goals for your journey, advise you on meal planning ideas, grocery store shopping, recipes and more! Have an accountability partner is a necessary tool to help you succeed!
To provide structure and accountability, Avance Care has developed a six-session Weight Management program, focusing on individualized needs and results. If you are interested in learning more, call our Specialty Services Coordinators at (919) 237-1337.