It’s February … Do you know where your New Year’s Resolutions are?
by Amy Carlson, MS, RD, LD

An American tradition is to throw off the last year with abandon and refocus for the blank slate, the New Year, by making passionate resolutions. So often, however, by February the goals that helped to rejuvenate us are slowly being neglected. We have the best intentions for following through… “exercise 3 times/week, I’m going to eat more fruits and vegetables, set my alarm earlier, take a walk at lunch time, be nicer to my employees!” Where have these goals gone? Why are they so quickly dismissed when most of them would serve to make us “better people”?

The problem often lies with the grandeur of our goals. When we make goals that are far too grand, goals that are so different from our current life style, we find it difficult to incorporate these goals without a radical overhaul in our day-to-day life.

Goals are essential for making changes in our lives. They help us be accountable; they allow us focus where we may not have initiated change. Without goals, we would likely not make progress in so many areas. But what can help us meet these goals without making us feel defeated?

Start by making overall goals for your health, a mission statement for your health and wellness. Looking over the last year, in what areas have you felt disappointed? This time next year, what things in your health would you like to have accomplished? Are there areas that you consistently neglect? For example, do you know that you need to make a dentist appointment but never get around to making it? Sit down with your yearly calendar and make small goals for each month. February, make a dentist appointment, March, schedule a yearly physical… then when you get those overall goals scheduled, think about monthly goals. How many times a month would it be reasonable to exercise? Do you need to join a gym or hire a personal trainer to help you get your fitness goals going? What are small, manageable nutrition goals? You may find that the first month, your goal could simply be to keep a food diary. Then evaluate that diary and make goals based on your observations. How about adding just a fruit per day, or trying to add more water in your diet? Keep a water bottle by your computer and drink while your working on projects or emailing. These small changes add up to make big differences. By avoiding even just 200 extra calories/day that are “mindless eating”, you can make a big dent in your weight by this time next year. Small changes mean big results.

In my years working with clients to help them achieve their weight loss and nutrition goals, I’ve found that when they come to see me their plans are to start from “scratch” and they want to change everything instantly. This leads to overinflated goals and underachievement. When you start small you end big. Pull out those well meaning resolutions and work them down to manageable, healthy goals. YOU CAN DO IT! Write me and let me know how making small goals has changed your life!

Here’s to good health in the New Year!

Amy B. Carlson, MS, RD, LD is a registered dietitian and consults clients in the greater Houson area. To contact Amy for an appointment call 713-978-1713 or e-mail her at abcdietitian@houston.rr.com.

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