Did you know that 45% of Americans make resolutions? Wondering how many of them actually follow through with it by the end of the month? Actually, just a meager 8%!
Resolutions can be very hard to keep for many reasons. Some people find it hard to stay on track. Others make their goals too broad or challenging. Resolutions are meant to be small goals that will become habits over time that will help your life positively - not big life-changing plans.
Some of the common resolutions made include:
- Learn something new everyday
- Acquire a new skill
- Stop eating junk food
- Exercise more
- Adopt a green lifestyle
- Participate in community service activities
- Donate to charities
- Read more
- Finish homework on time
- Become more organized
- Manage time better
One of the top resolutions made each year by kids and adults alike is to eat healthy and exercise. Yet it is one of the hardest goals to keep. The human body craves for sweet foods and unhealthy or so-called “junk” foods. Resisting the temptation can be very hard even though we are aware that the foods are injurious to our body.
Here are some suggestions to make some of the healthy eating resolutions stick:
- Keep a notebook with a list of the unhealthy things you are eating
- Draw caution signs on the pantry door
- Write yourself reminders like “Don’t eat too much salt, sugar fat”, “Watch out! Highly caloric”, “Junk food” or “In moderation”
- Keep your goals realistic
- Reduce something instead of removing it
- Don’t skip a meal (Breakfast- smoothies/fruit, Lunch-Homemade sandwich with veggies or meat). You will snack on unhealthy foods less.
- Substitute some unhealthier foods with healthy foods (instead of Cheetos eat some real cheese or some fruit)
- Read food labels (they can help you stay on track)
Can you challenge yourself to be part of the 45% who make resolutions and grow the number of those who make it stick from 8%? Even if you are not the type who makes New Year resolutions, try to practice one healthy eating habit this year. You will be doing yourself a favor, for it is your body after all.
Happy New Year!
