January 3, 2012! Wow, can you believe it? How are you all doing with those New Year’s resolutions you made? Statistics show that between 40 to 45% of American adults commit to make one or more resolutions each year. New Year’s resolutions inevitably include plans to lose weight, stop smoking and increase exercise. I was curious, though, how many were successful in their endeavors for the long term…75% maintained their resolution after one week; 71% after two weeks, 64% after one month and 46% after 6 months.
Armed with that information, I found an excellent article that gives practical and very manageable tips to jumpstart 2012’s resolutions of building a healthy lifestyle for the long term. Kathy Smith, a fitness professional since the 1980s, in her Laws to Living Lean, reminds us that it’s about progress and not perfection in our journey. It’s the incremental changes we make that affect an overall transformation. It takes time, though, so be patient, yet committed. Be honest in your efforts, if those results aren’t measureable, then reevaluate and make a bigger commitment.
Smith also says that part of your plan needs to include exercise…it’s a non negotiable item! Our bodies were designed to be worked out, so let’s get out there and move. No excuses. Make it a priority! My clients have heard me say this many times!
Make sure that you’re environment is supporting your healthy choices. Begin food journaling to discern those old habits and patterns in your eating. Determine those mood-food triggers and write them down. Never skip breakfast or you’ll be sabotaging your efforts for the rest of the day!
Finally, even though we may break resolutions we made, research shows that making them are constructive. People who are specific in their resolutions are 10 times more likely to be successful in reaching those goals than those who don’t specifically make resolutions. So, go for it and make 2012 a year in which you set, work and reach those goals.
http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2011/12/30/kathy-smith-laws-lean-living.aspx
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