Jan 23, 12 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.

Have the resolutions made it past the first month

Every year people make New Year’s resolutions. We resolve to eat more healthy, exercise more, and lessen our stress. When I went to the JCC to work out last week, the gym was packed. Each day though I see fewer and fewer people there. All the resolutions are good ones. How can we make them stick?

First, do small steps at a time. When we are counseling our children that are overweight, we stress the importance of small changes. If you try to completely change your diet, it will be very hard to stick to and maintain. Pick one thing you think you can accomplish and after a few weeks add on another.
Have a friend or family member make the changes with you. Studies have shown that it is easier to do this with someone then by yourself. Studies have also shown that when people state they are going to make changes, they stick with it better then by not telling.
Give yourself rewards for doing a good job! Treat yourself to something you always wanted. Get a massage. Whatever it is do small steps and reinforce it with positive reinforcement.

Here are some changes to help make your family healthier this new year.
Increase the amount of water you drink everyday. Staying hydrated keeps you feeling full longer, helps prevent headaches, and improves constipation.
Add fruits and vegetables to every meal. Go on to myfoodplate.gov to review the new guidelines for daily intake.
Try to exercise daily. Sure, it is recommended to get an hour of moderate activity daily. Don’t let this scare you. Start small, maybe 15 minutes every day. Or try breaking it up and do 30 minutes twice a day. You will be surprised by how it makes you feel.
Spend some quality time listening to your children. Turn off phones, TV and computer and just have a conversation. You could also try reading a book together- even with older kids this is a great way to bond.
Give yourself time for just you. Read the book you wanted, get the message, or meditate. Just make sure it is something you want to do.
List 5 good things that happen to you everyday.
Smile everyday, I just read this increase your endorphins, which help make you feel better.

If you have any great ideas, let us know and we will post them.

Here is to a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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