Did you know that more than half of all adults in the U.S. make New Year's resolutions? Two of the most popular goals are to develop better eating habits and increase exercise. At almost two weeks into the new year, it's a good time to check on your progress. Here are five tips to help you stay committed.
Start with Small Steps
Taking on too much too quickly is a common reason why so many resolutions fail. Starting a very restrictive diet or overdoing exercise will derail your plans. Instead, focus on taking small steps that will ultimately help you reach your larger goal. For example, if you are trying to eat healthier, start by replacing some of your favorite less healthy foods with more nutritious foods. Then tackle another element of your diet, such as adding in a greater variety of vegetables, reducing portion size, or cutting back on fried food. While it may seem like a slow start, these incremental changes make it easier to stick to your new healthy habits and increase the likelihood of long-term success.
Choose a Specific Goal
Instead of picking an ambiguous goal like getting in shape or eating healthier, focus on a specific, achievable goal. For example, if you want to eat more vegetables, you need to determine what this means for you. Do you want to become a vegetarian, eat one new vegetable a day, or add a vegetable to each meal? Being as specific as possible will enable you to set goals and measure your progress.
