Happy New Year! Now that 2024 is safely behind us it is time to embrace the newness of 2024. Not only does today mark the start of a new year, but also the start of a new decade. 
There are many New Year’s Day traditions, including eating a bowl of black eyed peas for luck, watching college bowl games, taking down the holiday decorations, and even resolving to make some grand change in the coming weeks and months.
The bowl games sound like the most appealing, but you’ll no doubt find yourself mulling over a resolution. The thing is, most people make some bold decision to make drastic changes in their lives, and no matter how much commitment to that goal they wind up falling short. It’s not because they aren’t capable, but instead that we just aren’t programmed to accept that much change so quickly. Especially when it comes to our favorite food, cigarette, TV show or other vice.
This year, resolve to make a simple resolution. Make it an attainable goal. And don’t stop there. When you reach that goal, make another one, and then another. With each little success you achieve you’ll be motivated to shoot for another. Before you know it, it will be January 1, 2024 and you’ll be down to a goal weight, or will have completely given up soda, or maybe be walking more than driving.
If you need a little push in the right direction, try on these simple resolutions for size. And then get ready to make it an entire year of mini-resolutions that add up to one big healthy change!
- Replace one soda with a glass of water each day.
- Do a half-decaf, half full-caf blend and slowly wean yourself to full decaf coffee.
- Wake-up 30 minutes early during the work week. Use that time to read, meditate, eat breakfast, take a walk or simply not feel rushed in the morning.
- Buy one new fruit and vegetable at the store each week, and actually eat it!
- Take your lunch to work at least once each week.
- Eat dinner at the table without TV or other media interference at least one night each week.
- Pick a spot one mile from your front door and walk there and back most nights of the week.
- Carve out some “me” time for one hour each week.
- Pay for, and attend, three sessions with a personal trainer.
- Get a physical.
- Take a multi-vitamin each morning.
- Jog in place or do push-ups during commercials of your favorite TV show.
- Pace during long phone calls.
- Play outside with your kids for an hour each weekend.
- Don’t eat while in the car.
- Swap your favorite ice cream for the sugar-free version.
- Order a salad at every meal when dining out (dressing on the side).
- Swap ground turkey for ground beef in one meal a week.
- Give one loaf of whole grain bread a try.
- Leave work on time one night each week.
Continue reading for more tips on making a healthy New Year’s resolution.