New Year, New You...

It happens every January 1st…you make resolutions. And you tend to keep them – for about 1 week. And then real life takes over and you realize the things you promised yourself are too challenging to keep up all the time, every day. The problem with January 1st is that everyone sees it as the beginning – a new lease on life. What they forget about is their current life and the everyday challenges that affect their lifestyle. These are things like driving the kids around; eating at restaurants frequently; drinking 4 cups of coffee a day. These are behaviors that people have been doing on a daily basis for months, even years – and to change these behaviors over night (New Year’s Eve) isn’t very realistic. So – what can YOU do if you want to make a change?

Write it down. Make it real. Write down what you want to change and why. Really think about what you are trying to accomplish. Place this piece of paper someplace you look every day as a constant reminder of your goals.

Find support. Let’s face it – if you have someone you are accountable to, you are MUCH more likely to follow through. Whether this is a friend, co-worker, family member, or health professional, find someone you can check in with on a regular basis.

Every day is January 1st. Just because you may miss out on starting your changes New Years Day, doesn’t mean that you can’t jump on the change-band-wagon. You can start making changes ANY day! Start at 4pm on a Thursday if you choose. The important thing to remember is that you need to be ready to make the change.

Be prepared. Set yourself up for success. Plan ahead and make sure you have the tools you need to succeed. That may mean going to the grocery store; buying a new water bottle; laying out your workout clothes the night before; or replacing the cigarettes in your purse with chewing gum.

Be realistic. Know what your limits are. If you tell yourself you are going to go to the gym 7 days a week for 2 hours each day, and you currently do not go to the gym, you are not likely to achieve your new goal. Slow and steady changes are the ones that make the biggest differences.

The big 21. Research says that repeating an action 21 times can lead to developing a habit. Creating NEW healthy habits is what change is really about. So set your calendar for 3 weeks and focus on reaching that goal first – from there, you’ll be repeating a healthy habit!

Here are 5 things you can do TODAY (not matter what day today is) to help you make 2009 a healthy year:

1. Carry a water bottle with you. Staying hydrated is vital for proper nutrition.
2. Eat breakfast – it really is the most important meal of the day!
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. More matters!
4. Watch your portion sizes. There are no bad foods – too much of ANYTHING can be bad.
5. Move more often. Being physically active is vital to your health.

About the Author:

Jessica Ganzer, Registered & Licensed Dietitian
Ganzer Wellness Consulting, LLC

Jessica is a registered and licensed dietitian who practices in the state of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Dietetics from the Coordinated Dietetics Program at Eastern Michigan University and is certified in Adult Weight Management through the Commission on Dietetics Registration. She has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health clubs.

Interested in learning more about how you can achieve your health & nutrition goals? Contact Jessica to set up an appointment.
Website: www.JessicaGanzer.com Phone: 703.347.3109