by Shelly Guzman, RD, CD
New year’s resolutions are notorious for being broken. If every year you fail achieve your resolutions, chances are you aren’t setting realistic goals. So your natural response might be to avoid making resolutions all together to avoid the bad feelings that come from this failure. Research suggests, however, that a readiness and self efficacy to change may increase your chances and success of actually changing. A study conducted by researchers at University of Scranton found that successful resolvers employed significantly more behavioral strategies and less self-blame and wishful thinking than unsuccessful resolvers. In other words, be kind to yourself when you mess up and reward yourself when you stick to your goals.
Often times, a new year’s resolution should in fact be a lifestyle resolution. Meaning instead of resolving to lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks, you should focus on making goals that will help you to reduce your weight overtime but will also give you the tools to maintain it by improving your eating and exercise habits. For example, I resolve to try one new vegetable a month or I resolve to walk 30 minutes 5 days a week. Baby steps - breaking your larger goals into smaller, more manageable objectives - can be the key to your success! Be sure to re-visit your resolutions periodically throughout the year to assess your progress, make modifications, or set new resolutions. Involve a trusted friend or family member and support each other in your quest to make positive changes.
Check out this great article for tips on how to increase your chances of sticking to your resolutions.
From all of us at Momentum Nutrition & Fitness, we wish you a healthy and prosperous 2011!
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