New year resolutions for a HEALTHIER YOU

What can change from Dec 31st to Jan 1st in a single day? 

But a lot can change from Jan 1st to Dec 31st.

Most of us have the same set of New Year resolutions every single year. 

1. Lose weight 
2. Exercise 
3. Eat healthy 

It seems as if only the date keeps changing with nothing much changing for us.

I felt why begin a blog that sounds so pessimistic right? But that's the reality for most people. We start out the year with grand resolutions that continue only till the first week or the first month if we are lucky.

I am going to give some broad hints here on 12 health goals you CAN accomplish this year and create a WIN for yourselves. 

Take a step back and reflect. It is ok if the new year has already begun - you can still start these goals. No need to wait another year.

So lets begin!

JANUARY: SET REALISTIC GOALS

Don't set standard goals like losing weight, exercising or eating healthier!

Make the goals PERSONAL to you.

If you have been overweight for the last 2 decades, chances are "Losing 25kgs this year" will seem too daunting for you. 

If you have never exercised, taking a GYM membership will only help you lose money.

I am not here to tell you what goals to set - you will get more ideas as you keep reading...it can be losing weight or building muscle or training for a marathon.

Link your fitness goals to something emotional - 

1. How about losing weight so you can play with your kids? 

2. How about adding a trek to your dream destination and becoming healthy during that training?

Own your goals. 

The point is human beings are very resistant to external suggestions - it should be your very own baby.

FEBRUARY: GET MORE ACTIVE

This is a goal which all of us can aspire for - and it can be a good starting point for weight loss also.

Some things which will help you achieve this goal can be simple steps tracker. Get a watch or an app...join an online challenge for tracking your steps. There are multiple ways to go about this.

If you are at 2000 steps currently, aim to increase it to 7000 and then work your way to 10,000 steps couple of times a week.

MARCH: HEALTH CHECK-UP

Ignorance is not always bliss. 

It can lead to a lot of regrets. 

Get your annual health check up done - the complete works - ultrasound, blood tests, a body composition reading..especially if you are above 40 years.

 

This will give you a realistic idea of what you need to focus on and might also give you the motivation.

APRIL: HOME COOKED MEALS

Become aware of your eating habits - how many times are you eating out? Why do you eat out - is it because of your office timings or lack of knowledge or convenience?

Start with some simple expectations - how about 1 home cooked meal every day or every week (depending on where you stand currently)

MAY: TRACK WATER

No need to conform to the 8 glasses of water every day. 

Start by being just aware of how much water you drink currently - I always say awareness is the first step to change.

JUNE: SWITCH A NEGATIVE HABIT

Lets get some small wins here! I am sure you are aware of at least one negative habit which is keeping you from your health goals.

Do you always reach out for a packet of chips? Change it to roasted snacks.

Do you have to have a sweet after a meal? Can you replace it with a dry fruit sweet?

You get the idea right?

JULY: PLAN YOUR MEALS

I am sure you would have heard this from every weight loss coach multiple times!

Make your meals predictable and BORING. Yes - you heard me right - If you want to lose weight, you have to stick to PREDICTABLE meals on a regular basis.

Remove the choices.

A fruit bowl for breakfast EVERY SINGLE day is better than looking at the cafeteria menu and getting tempted!

AUGUST: IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

The easiest way to accomplish your health goals? Improve your sleep patterns. Get adequate deep sleep - both quantity and quality of sleep matter. You can push yourself only so far before your body starts rebelling.

SEPTEMBER: MANAGE YOUR STRESS

All of us have to learn how to deal with stress in the current lifestyle. There is no escaping from it. 

1. Practice meditation and put it into your schedule. 

2. Take up a hobby which will help you relieve stress.

 

Let go of work stress once you reach home - do whatever it takes to release stress from your life.

OCTOBER: MAKE FITNESS A PART OF YOUR ROUTINE

A healthy lifestyle should become an integral part of your routine. It should be easy and fun to do. 

If you have to travel 1hr in traffic to go to your gym, chances are high that you will not stick to it. 

1. Pick up some sports which will keep you in shape and help you relax.

2. Make your weekends very active by hiking or cycling instead of sitting at home.

NOVEMBER: TRACK. TRACK. TRACK.

Everything that you want to improve needs to be measured and tracked. 

Do you want to lose weight?

1. Start tracking everything that goes into your mouth.

2. Learn to read labels and count calories.

3. Understand food groups or take the help of a nutritionist to get your diet plan. 

DECEMBER: GET STRONGER

The older we get, the more fat we accumulate and the more muscle we lose. 

1. Include some form of weight training - everyone needs it. 

2. Use your body weight and do some planks or power yoga. 

IN CONCLUSION...

You will never accomplish anything unless you change something in your daily routine. 

Your goals should translate into an action / habit. Start with the smallest possible action and keep building on it. 

For e.g, if you want to develop an exercise habit,  promise yourself you will get 5000 steps done 3 times a week. 

Put that in your calendar,  brag about it to your friends on social media - anything which will hold you to it.

Start small. Celebrate your small victories and be kind to yourself. 

Make this year count for you. 

Wish you a very happy new year!