Are You Achieving or Struggling with Your New Years Resolution, tips & tricks for staying on track

A NEW YEAR IS A GREAT TIME TO SET NEW GOALS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH, SO WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE FAIL?

Did you know that “getting healthy” tops the list as the most tried and true New Years Resolution? It was the number 1 most popular resolution for 2017, actually almost every year it is the number 1 goal . . . . . hmmmm, I am thinking that many people struggle with this or they wouldn’t keep making that their top resolution year after year, right? Did you know that research shows that usually only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s goal?

Here is why I think many people struggle to accomplish their “getting more fit & healthy” goals.  Most people start from ground zero to going full force almost over night!  Actually, many people set their goals after they wake up after a New Year’s Eve filled with over indulgence and are now ready to detox, shape up and get back on track or actually even begin a program.  Most set up unrealistic goals that are too aggressive, overly strict diets, exercise programs that they will struggle with to commit too and eventually give up on their efforts!

If you have already struggled with your New Years resolution or needing motivation, ideas and/or tips to stay on track, then let me show you some ways to help you achieve your health goals so you can be ONE of the success stories!  So don’t worry if you have already jumped off the health band wagon, jump back on because I want you to focus on making smaller more incremental changes that you can live with and sustain over the long time, and hopefully it will eventually become a lifetime of healthy habits!

Simple Changes to Daily Living that will Improve Your Health

Drink More Water!  Yes, that sounds so simple, yet you will be surprised how many people’s bodies are actually dehydrated and not really hungry, they just need water.   Before every meal drink a full glass of 8 ounces of water and you will find that you will feel more full before eating; therefore, ingesting less calories.  Also, your body needs water throughout the day to keep hydrated, keep your energy level up and hopefully will keep you from drinking other beverages that are filled with empty calories……….BUT, we all get so tired of drinking plain water all day, so change things up by adding different fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs to your water!  When you put them in a water diffuser, it will flavor your water without getting mushy fruit throughout your drinking water!  Try different fruit as they come in season to keep the variety going.  My favorite is cucumber, strawberry and fresh mint!

” blend yourself a healthy meal or snack in no time ” approximately $79

Protein Shakes!  I can not stress enough to you and my personal training clients how easy, delicious, filling and nutritious a protein shake can be, especially in the morning to start your day off right!  It is one of the easiest meals or snacks you can make and it is portable too if you need to run out the door and don’t have time to eat.  I absolutely love my magic bullet as it is so easy to use and clean up, that I make my protein shakes every single morning with it.  But, you can use a blender too, I just like the convenience and fast clean up of the bullet.  What I love about protein shakes, is that you can get your protein (duh🙄) along with many other quality ingredients . . . . it’s like a multi-vitamin you can drink.  Here is what I put in my shake, but be creative and try new things (sorry Tom, I always stick with the same favorite one every morning ☺️) , I call this Christie’s Morning Shake: 1 scoop whey protein powder (protein), 1 frozen banana (potassium), approx. 1 c. unsweetened almond milk (calcium), 1 tsp. chia seeds (fiber), 1 tsp. coconut oil (healthy fats), 1 tsp. flax seed (healthy fats, fiber), 1 tsp. cocoa powder (magnesium, iron).  That’s it, then I throw all ingredients into the Magic Bullet blend for 30 seconds, pour in cup and ready to drink.  A healthy, fast, easy, nutritious and very filling meal or snack!

” meal prep made easy ” approximately $23

Healthy Snacking!  Yes, you should be snacking throughout the day, but not on chips, cookies, candy, etc. The problem is most people wait too long in-between meals and then you are so hungry you will grab whatever food you can find and usually the convenient and fast snacks, tend to be the most unhealthy, high calorie, high fat, high sugar and high sodium items.  All these ingredients will put on weight, give you a quick burst of energy, to then crash a few minutes later, leaving you more tired and sluggish than before you ate.  You should be eating about 5 to 6 times a day, especially when you are exercising too!  I suggest eating breakfast, then 2 – 3  hours later a snack, about 2 hours later lunch, then 2-3 hours later a snack, about 2 to 3 hours later dinner, then depending on what time you ate dinner, maybe a small, light snack before bed.  So, pre-planning is the answer!  When you take the time to meal prep (many people have found that Sunday’s are a good day to meal prep for the entire work week) you can make wise choices about food items that are nutritious, easy to grab and go (or even have prepared in your refrigerator for snacking, TV time snacks or boredom snacking) and fulfilling.  My suggestions include fresh fruits and vegetables cut up ready to dip in hummus, low fat dips, melted dark chocolate & nut butters. My all time favorite is sliced apples (I recommend cutting them that day and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top to prevent browning) then spread with almond butter.  This snack is very filling due to the fiber from the apple and the protein from the almond butter, both which will sustain you until your next meal.

These 3 very simple tips can truly make a difference in achieving your New Years resolution and keep you from struggling to keep your goal.  Remember to drink water before every meal and throughout the day, start off your morning with a nutritious and filling protein shake and then eat healthy snacks in between meals and YOU will be setting yourself up for a successful resolution, BUT more importantly for a healthy new lifestyle.  Then next year when it is time to make your New Years resolution, “getting healthy” will not be on your list, as you will have already conquered that and become the NEW YOU, living YOUR NEW HEALTHY LIFE!✓

Please share with me how you have succeeded with this goal, struggled in keeping or maintaining your goal and if you have found these 3 tips easy to maintain.  I look forward to hearing from you!📧

This site contains occasional affiliate links (like Amazon Affiliates) to better serve you in finding the products to assist you in your Fit Life. I do receive commission on the sale of these products, but I will ONLY recommend products that I use and feel will be beneficial to my readers. You can always trust me to give an honest opinion that will bring you helpful advice with encouraging content.