A New Year, A New You

By Bluepoint Medical Associates

Bluepoint Medical Associates

. http://bluepointmed.com

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

A New Year, A New You

Bells have jingled, corks have popped, and you are whirling still from the high of the holidays. In light of all that positivity you can get ahead of yourself with our New Year’s resolutions.

“This year, I am going to go to the gym every day and I will lose 15 pounds” may seem like a grand idea at the time, but once February rounds the corner the enthusiasm has sunk somewhere beneath that comfy couch next to your missing remote.

Big resolutions can become overwhelming and when you’re dismayed, motivation can take a deep dive. So this year, make it a decision to break down your resolution into smaller, more manageable goals. No more tomorrows; today is all about you.

Here are some tips for your

success

Start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and find time for a 10-minute walk every day. Build up from there – increase your walk times and transition to jogging.

Taking a dog out for a walk/run is a great motivator (ask a friend if you don’t have one). If you’re going to a gym, starting at one or two times a week is completely reasonable. The point is to create a foundation you can build up from. Sticking to a routine makes it easier to start and stay motivated.

Keep a journal. This is an effective tool in tracking your daily habits and can be encouraging to see your progress. Assess unhealthy eating or physical activity habits by keeping a hand-written account in a notebook, on your smart phone via verbal recount, or through taking pictures.

Using an app to track your food intake and physical activity is helpful to uncover hidden calories in foods you may be consuming on a regular basis. Find a way that is easiest for you and stay to it.

Start with a healthy breakfast. Eat a breakfast full of fiber and protein. This will set you up for managing hunger throughout the day. Not a big breakfast eater? Try to find something small and satisfying that is full of protein and fiber.

Meal plan. It will help you stay on track and save you time. Prepare meals when you can or check out restaurant menus online ahead of time to plan out a healthy choice. Remember to keep portion sizes in mind while eating.

Water. Water is vital to our well-being but sometimes we forget to drink enough. Keep a glass or BPA-free bottle around so it is always accessible to you. Don’t have one? Treat yourself to a late holiday gift as an investment to your health and the environment.

This is a growing process and will take time. It’s important to find little ways to stay motivated during your journey and to not let the bumps discourage you. If you’re craving pizza, eat pizza.

But couple it with salad and add an extra set in your work out. Do not deprive yourself of things you enjoy, but instead incorporate ways that allow balance.

Let’s make 2015 the year of you.