It’s January, that time of the year when people begin to think about their goals for the year and are most motivated to make lifestyle changes to improve their health. Unfortunately, studies show that many of these resolutions will fail before spring. Mistakes often made are setting unrealistic goals or making too many goals at once. Choose a goal because it is what you want, not based on what your family or friends think is necessary. Remember, if it does not come from your heart, it is bound to fail. 

Here are some steps to help make realistic, obtainable New Year’s goals:

• Decide what you will do. It must be something you feel confident about changing. Think about your current habits, especially your eating and activity. What could you change?
• Break it down into small steps answering specific questions: How long will I do it? How often will I do it? When will I start? Be specific. Here is an example: For the next month, at least four days a week, I will eat two servings of fruit a day – one at breakfast and one for a snack.
• Write your goals down on paper. Place them in a place where you will see them often such as the bathroom mirror or the refrigerator, or set a reminder on your cell phone.
• Decide who can be a support for you and how they can best help with your goal.
• Record or chart your progress.
• Choose a reward!
• Evaluate how you did at making the change: If you were not successful, revise your goal and start with something easier. If you were successful, good job! Now you must practice your goal until it becomes a new way of life. This might take several months.

Need some more ideas? Here are 10 ideas to get healthy for the New Year:

1. Exercise more. The American Diabetes Association recommends 150 minutes per week. To get started, exercise during the commercials of a TV program.
2. Get more sleep.
3. Eat healthy. To get started, try adding one vegetable and one fruit into your meal each day.
4. Eat breakfast.
5. Choose high-fiber foods. Choose one high-fiber food to eat daily.
6. Choose lower fat foods. Try eliminating one high-fat food daily.
7. Check your feet. Set aside time each day for a good foot check.
8. Cut back on salt. Try eliminating on high sodium food daily.
9. Monitor your blood sugars.
10. Be happy! Ask yourself “what am I grateful for?” one day every week.

 It takes time and patience to make new habits, but your persistence and patience will pay off in the long run.

 The Aultman Diabetes and Nutrition Center wishes you a HAPPY 2021!

 Source: Aultman Diabetes and Nutrition Center