You know...I have never really been big on making New Year resolutions. I don't mean to pass judgment but really all you are saying is "I am going to start something new this year and try to do it until I decide to quit and make it my resolution again next year". You all know exactly who I am talking about. The two month dieters that quit because its too hard...to not eat? And we're not even talking about not eating in a sense that you are starving yourselves, we're just talking about making healthier choices when you eat. And that's hard? Or what about the spring break gym guys whose New Year resolution is to get back in the gym? They do, but the only exercises you see them doing are bench press, curls, and flys so they can build huge chests and arms. They can always be identified because they have chicken legs, massive arms, and they're shoulders roll forward in a way that makes them look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. After spring break, you never see those guys again.
I think the biggest issue with all of this is that once you make a resolution to accomplish some goal, you are already setting yourself up for failure. Goals are meant to be accomplished and once they are they stop. When you make a resolution to lose 10 lbs, after you lose the weight you stop. Or if you set a goal to diet for 90 days, once your 90 days is complete, you go back to the way things were. And don't get me started on gym resolutions. Look, the best and only solution to all of this is to not have a New Years resolution. Instead have a lifetime resolution...and stick to it. If your goal is to workout more, than work out more but don't allow yourself to get complacent. Find time to get in the gym. Even if it consists of 20 minutes of exercise or even a short run after work, that little bit of time you put in everyday makes a huge difference but not in the amount of calories you burn, the difference is realized in your attitude and motivation to stick with something. The same goes for eating habits. If you cheat one or two days by eating fast food, who cares? You can burn it off the next day. A problem exists if you eat out everyday and you make poor choices on the foods you eat. You don't have to cook everyone, we all know some of you are better off not cooking anyway, but when you do eat out make better decisions on what you eat. Don't get the large combo, or even the medium for that matter. Portion sizes in America is what helps contribute to obesity. And did you know that 60% of the American population is either overweight or obese? Kind of scary isn't it. When eating out, choose alternatives to fried foods. Eat meals that are full of fruits and vegetables. Lots of fast food restaurants have fruit and vegetables as side dishes not, we all just immediately go for the french fries. And finally, the biggest villain of them all is the soda. There is no need to drink a 32oz soda with your meal, drink water or juice instead.
Like I said earlier having a lifetime resolution is a lot better than a New Years resolution. It keeps you accountable for yourself. New Years resolutions are too easy to quit, lifetime resolutions create habit and consistency. Lets all stop making excuses for ourselves at the beginning of each year and just put in the effort every single day of our lives. You'll feel a lot better about yourself and your heart, body, and mind will thank you. Maybe even the significant other ;-).
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