One of the hardest things about the holidays? Coming out of the sugar-turkey-carb-wine- coma and start the New Year with a healthy resolution. Sure you took some dietary liberties throughout November and December, but the holidays don’t have to suck the life out of your diet or your exercise routine.
Start with a goal
Just like your other New Years’ resolutions, why not start one for your health? Whether your New Year’s health resolution is to eat better, join a gym, or to train for a half-marathon…do whatever motivates you.
Make it work for you
Maybe a half-marathon isn’t for you…maybe a refreshing walk at lunch every day is more your style. The truth is forcing yourself to do yoga a few times a week when that’s not your passion probably isn’t going to last. How about trying a mutual goal – or a friendly competition – with a group of friends?
Reward yourself
It doesn’t have to be all work and no play! Reward yourself for going to the gym three times in a week with a small bowl of ice cream. Or give yourself a day off from training for your triathlon.
Track your progress
If your goal is to lose weight, make sure you weigh yourself once a week. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see changes right away. If your goal is to eat better, keep a food diary so that you can see how well you’ve been doing. Measurements show you where you are now and how you got there.
Nicki Hicks is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients’ search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.