Are you ready for the new year? Were you able to accomplish everything you wanted to last year? Did you meet your weight loss goal? Or maybe you started taking steps towards losing weight in preparation for surgery? Below are our dietitian’s top 5 tips to help you start your New Year right!
#1. Start Fresh
Dig through your pantry and refrigerator and place any “undesirable” food items in a box. Take that box to a local church or shelter for donations. Then, head to the grocery store and pack your pantry and refrigerator full of healthy options to get you started on the right foot!
Some great refrigerator staples include:
Great items to stock your pantry with include:
#2. Set Small, Attainable Goals
“People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.”
– Brian Tracy
Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timed-bounded.
Some great health goals to focus on include:
#3. Stay Accountable
Find something/someone to hold you accountable to your healthy goals/lifestyle. Use a food journal for better accountability to yourself with your diet (then bring it to your doctor or dietitian for review). Another great way to stay accountable is to partner with a friend or loved one during your workouts! Having a regular workout partner helps you to stay accountable for your workouts by committing yourself to another person; think of it as a meeting that you have to attend!
#4. Try Something New
Trying new things can help to motivate you towards reaching your health goals, as well as incorporate more variety in your new healthy lifestyle. It can be something as simple as trying a new workout or a new low carb recipe (zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice anyone?). Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new this year!
#5. Remember What You’re Working For
Setting a reward can significantly impact your motivation and effort towards reaching your health goals. Remember that little black dress you saw that would be perfect for a date night but was just a tad too tight? Or the pant size that you’ve always wanted to be? Or maybe you’re simply hoping to be more active this coming summer. Whatever your reason is, healthy motivation is key to maintaining your weight loss goals. Remember where you started and always remember that you can do it!