WASHINGTON — Have you given up on your New Year’s health resolutions? You’re not alone: One in three people ditch their plans by the end of January.
Lean Plate Club™ blogger Sally Squires says those who have strayed from a diet or stopped working out can get back on track with some simple tips.
The first step should be to do a little soul-searching.
“Ask yourself … ‘do I really think I can succeed at this?’ And if you can’t, then maybe you need to revise — you need to think about what would be a more realistic goal,” Squires says.
Researchers at the University of Scranton have found that if you’re not feeling confident about success, you may not really be ready to try.
Planning and preparation are both key to reaching your objective. Squires says that when it comes to setting your goals, be specific. Then, take steps toward holding yourself accountable.
For example, if you’d like to eat better, make sure your fridge and pantry are stocked with healthy staples. And if you’d like to exercise more, set out your workout clothes ahead of time, or make sure you’ve had a snack beforehand so you’re not overly hungry.
“Maybe you need a partner,” Squires suggests. Making plans to walk or exercise with a friend can help you succeed. There are also apps that help you track your fitness and set reminders, such as SparkPeople, Stickk and Runkeeper.
And it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan — especially if weather conditions are keeping you inside.
“Maybe that’s where you go to something that you can do indoors. A lot of cable TV companies now have exercise on demand,” Squires says. “Or maybe you just put on a record and dance.”
Keeping light weights or resistance bands on hand can help you squeeze in a quick workout. A brisk walk around the mall counts, too.
