The Healthy New Year's Eve Resolution

It’s that time of the year when everybody is making lists of what they wish to accomplish in 2009. Some want new fancy cars, maybe a new house and others just want to raise money for that trip to Mexico. Whatever it is, the better chances will smile to those who learn that being healthy is the first step to success.

“The main goal for 2009 should be a healthy lifestyle and balanced eating habits. It's better to make health your goal; then--one at a time--adjust the habits that stand in your way,” said Milton Stokes, RD, in this month’s issue of Prevention.

Other specialist, such as the health coaches from Gordian, recommend people to make goals as “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding and Timely) as they can. That’s because a set goal is sometimes forgotten or it seems too difficult or there’s a lack of motivation. The Gordian coaches emphasize on the realistic element, which is important. Don’t set a goal just for the sake of it if you most likely won’t achieve it.

They also encourage people to keep in mind the initial reason that motivated them to set that particular goal. The health coaches have come up with ten healthful resolutions that exemplify the concept “SMART”. First one, which brings benefits and help achieving easier the other nine, is exercising. “Start working out!” is their advice, no matter if means walking to work instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk on the treadmill instead of watching TV.

The second one is something that is, most likely, on everyone’s list, especially after the winter holidays that were “cheating” days, one after another - “Lose weight”. Come up with a plan that is sustainable. For instance, “I will lose 10 pounds in 2 months by following a proper diet and by exercising”. The advice the specialists in health give is to take it one step at a time so that it becomes a long-term healthy diet.

Eat better and cut fast-food, soda and alcohol completely out of your diet. These four resolutions are about changing or improving the old eating habits. Set a day in which you are allowed to cheat and eat sweets or fast-food, and stick to it. In the other six days replace bad food with fruits and vegetables and a lot of water.

Learn how to take care of your body by reducing stress and getting plenty of rest. Promise yourself, for example that:“I will go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual and avoid caffeine late in the day." The last resolution refers to giving up smoking, but it is good to know when. If you try it in a stressful day, it is most likely you won’t succeed. Replace smoking with nicotine patches or gum, if you feel it’s too hard to give up.