4 ways to make resolutions stick in this new year


Keeping healthy snacks on hand can keep you on the path to wellness.

Keeping healthy snacks on hand can keep you on the path to wellness.

For many people, January brings the motivation to make healthy changes to their life, and they declare New Year’s resolutions. But with those resolutions, you can put unrealistic pressure on yourself, and by Feb. 1, the goals are all but forgotten. Fortunately, there are steps you can take now that will help you stick to those resolutions and meet your goals.

Here are 4 tips to help you stick to your healthy New Year’s resolutions.

1. Accept that there is no such thing as perfection

Tabitha Panetta, training director at Medical Weight Loss Clinic says it’s important to realize that perfection is unattainable. Accept that you’ll have ups and downs, and don’t beat yourself up over minor mishaps like eating a dessert when you were stressed or skipping the gym when you were busy. The key is to use these instances as learning opportunities and get back on track. Recognize what caused those slip-ups and plan for how to avoid them in the future.

2. Increase your exposure to healthy foods

“When your motivation is low, your environment becomes so important in terms of helping or hindering your healthy living intentions,” Tabitha says. “If you make healthy foods accessible in your kitchen and workplace, it’s more likely you will eat them first.”

The more you increase your exposure to healthy foods, the more likely you are to stick to your resolutions because it will be easy to reach for healthy foods first.

3. Have a plan B

What will you do if you have a late night at work or a busy day with the kids and don’t have the time to cook the meal you had planned? Be sure that you always have a quick backup option for meals and healthy snacks on hand in case your original plan doesn’t work out. That way, you’ll be less likely to seek unhealthy fast food.

4. Keep your goals realistic and specific

The more specific your goals are, the more likely you are to keep them. And breaking them down into small, attainable goals will feel more doable.
“Rather than a vague resolution to ‘eat healthier,’ get specific about what you want to accomplish and have a clear plan on how to achieve it,” Tabitha says.
For example, if you want to eat less junk, focus on specific behaviors:

·       Replace the morning bagel or danish with a healthy option like yogurt with berries, oatmeal with cooked cinnamon apples or a mocha shake (hot or cold).

·       Take 15 minutes each night to pack a healthy lunch and snacks for the next day.

·       To make your intentions stick, journal and set your alarm so each day you’ll get a friendly reminder.

Small changes will add up to big results.
“Take one day at a time and do not overestimate the basics,” Tabitha says. “Food prep, journal, exercise and portion control will soon become habits, and when you do them more often than not in a week, results will follow.”

You can start your weight loss journey and receive personalized guidance and support today. Schedule your free consultation with Medical Weight Loss Clinic online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

*Results may vary. Minimum purchase required. Some restrictions apply and discounts may not be used for online purchases.
When you enroll in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, the length of your program will be determined by you and the staff based on the amount of weight you want to lose and how quickly you want to lose it. Your actual weight loss will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to: your medical circumstances, the plan you choose, adherence to the meal plan and use of nutritional supplements. Your goal and program duration information will be given to you in writing at the time of enrollment. As your program progresses, the rate you lose weight may change and you will have the opportunity to discuss this at every daily visit with your weight loss consultant, where changes to your meal plan and/or program can be made.