“New Year’s Resolutions” are three words synonymous with
tradition. A new year is like resetting the clock. As we take down last year’s
calendar and put up a new one, we have a sense of hope that we can finally
accomplish something on our long list of self-improvement. The butterflies turn
into excitement along with a passion driving us, telling us This is the
year!
Let’s be honest, though. We love planning for what we want
to accomplish, but often our follow through is not the best. According to
Static Brain (reporting data from the University
of Scranton
This study also notes that people who make resolutions are
ten times more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. Perhaps
it’s the power of attraction as discussed often by self-help gurus like Oprah
or Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 book, The Secret. Our thoughts influence our
reality. Perhaps it’s also a bit of good planning.
Among the top five resolutions made are weight loss and staying
fit and healthy. After indulging in a bountiful Thanksgiving and a multitude of
holidays and holiday parties during December, our body feels sluggish, the
scale shows a few more pounds and our clothes are a little too snug. Gyms and
yoga studios pick up a tremendous number of new clients, along with those who
had avoided the gym since the summer. But when we add a new routine suddenly
into our schedule, like going to the gym three times a week and switching over
to salads for every lunch and dinner, our body and mind decide to go strike
after only a few short weeks.
Old information told us we could develop a new habit in just
twenty one days. New research shows it may take anywhere from sixty six to two
hundred fifty four days according to a 2010 UK
study, led by University College London. How do we keep our body and mind
actively participating in our new goal? Here are some tips for you:
- Replace instead of ditching. Instead of clearing out your cupboard and refrigerator, slowly replace foods with healthier options when you run out. (Instead of high calorie, high sodium popcorn, switch to a zero calorie, Non-GMO popcorn. Replace white bread with twelve grain bread. Opt for coconut water or carbonated water instead of soda.)
- Brown Bag it and just cook. Reducing the number of times you go out to eat or can help save money and your health. While many restaurants can accommodate healthier options, when we see our old favorite on the menu or a quick way to eat, we can’t resist. Plan an extra thirty to sixty minutes in the evening to prepare dinner and your lunch for the next day.
- Take it slowly. Don’t convert over all meals to salads and new dishes. Instead, learn to make a new dish each week. Preparing new foods slowly over the course of time will create a great resource for future meals.
- If it’s cold, it’s got to go. The ideal time to incorporate cold foods (raw, salads, etc.) is during the transition to springtime. With the cool weather of winter, our bodies naturally try to keep heat in. Staying with the flow of Mother Nature can actually help our bodies feel better and stay healthier.
- Instead of replacing entire meals with healthier foods, start with replacing snacks. A slow incorporation of healthier versions of snacks will prompt your body to create healthier foods leading to a natural changeover. According to health.com, the intake of daily calories has increased over one third in the past thirty years. Research is pointing to snacking as the culprit. So, next time you reach for that bag of chips or chocolate bar, try opting for apple slices or banana instead.
- When it comes to exercise, follow your interest. Many times people think running on the treadmill is the only way to loose weight. Give yourself the jump on successful weight loss and a toned body by doing an activity you like. Follow that interest in pilate's, walking, archery, yoga, dance lessons and more. Incorporate your favorite exercise activity into your schedule 2-3 times a week for optimal success.
- Be adventurous! You don’t need to go to an exotic country. Simply sample tastes from around the world. Trying new spices, fruits and vegetables can open up a new world of flavor, meal ideas and bring back the excitement of cooking.
- Have a cheerleader. Pick a friend or colleague to support you. The ideal person should have their own resolutions. Having someone to celebrate milestones, hold you accountable and be your biggest fan when you need motivation, can help you stay the course.
- Get your head in the game. What may be the most overlooked tool in success is buying into what you want to accomplish. Visualization techniques help create reality. Close your eyes and imagine how you look and act after achieving your goals. Another tool is to create a life map. Take words and images from magazines or print from online searches, paste onto card stock or poster board and put in a place you can see everyday. You can also write a personal mantra or hang an inspirational quote in the bathroom or bedroom where you can see daily, reminding you of how you can do it!
Remember, don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. Slow
replacements can help with long term success. Your thoughts are more powerful
than you can imagine. Enjoy discovering new flavors and take the time to take
care of you. Be the captain of your own destiny and have fun with your
resolutions.
- Susan Kiskis, General Manager
