Healthy Living in the New Year

Many people set goals of losing weight during the New Year, but healthy weight loss requires a commitment to adopting new habits. While improving eating habits or adding exercise can be difficult, setting realistic goals can make changing your lifestyle easier.

A healthy weight loss program includes the following:

• A realistic, reasonable weight loss goal.
• A reduced calorie, nutritionally balanced diet.
• Regular exercise.
• A regular routine to help you plan and stay on track with your goals

Healthy weight loss should be about developing good habits to last a lifetime.

Be Realistic

When trying to get in shape for the first time or after a long break, many often set overly ambitious goals. Instead, start small. Set short-term goals that are easy to achieve, rather than unrealistic ones that leave you frustrated and disappointed. As you begin to feel more in control, the rest of the weight loss will become more attainable, and you will be less likely to get discouraged. Gradual weight loss, which is healthier and easier than quick weight loss, develops good habits to keep weight off long term.

Instead, start small. Set short-term goals that are easy to achieve, rather than unrealistic ones that leave you frustrated and disappointed. As you begin to feel more in control, the rest of the weight loss will become more attainable, and you will be less likely to get discouraged.

Gradual weight loss, which is healthier and easier than quick weight loss, develops good habits to keep weight off long term.

Set Goals for Yourself

Make a Specific Plan

When trying to get in shape for the first time or after a long break, many often set overly ambitious goals. Instead, start small. Set short-term goals that are easy to achieve, rather than unrealistic ones that leave you frustrated and disappointed. As you begin to feel more in control, the rest of the weight loss will become more attainable, and you will be less likely to get discouraged. Gradual weight loss, which is healthier and easier than quick weight loss, develops good habits to keep weight off long term.

Consider joining a weight loss group or visiting a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian.

Use Teamwork to Your Advantage

Friends and family can also help you stick to your plan. Schedule a walk with a friend twice a week, or have your family pick healthy recipes they'd like to try for dinner.

Consider joining a weight loss group or visiting a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian.

Pace Yourself

If you want to quit smoking, lose 20 pounds, and start jogging three times a week, start with one of these goals instead of all three. Chances are that if you quit smoking, exercise will eventually become easier and more appealing, and then you will lose weight.

If you love red meat, then it would probably be hard to quit eating it altogether. Instead, strive to eat less red meat by reducing your portion size or occasionally substituting chicken or fish. There are plenty of ways to change your lifestyle without trying to change what you enjoy.

Do What You Like

If you dread going to the gym, then you probably shouldn't get a membership to one. Find a different way to exercise that will appeal to you—ride a bike, walk with a friend, or join a yoga class.

If you love red meat, then it would probably be hard to quit eating it altogether. Instead, strive to eat less red meat by reducing your portion size or occasionally substituting chicken or fish. There are plenty of ways to change your lifestyle without trying to change what you enjoy.

Be Nice to Yourself

Cut Yourself Some Slack

Major lifestyle changes are difficult, and unrealistic expectations can make them even harder. Don’t give up if you aren’t meeting your goals. Readjust your timeline, and keep going. If you skip an exercise session or if you eat too much one evening, then don’t beat yourself up about it—just get back to your routine as soon as possible.

Reward Yourself

After you’ve stuck with your plan, come up with positive ways to give yourself a pat on the back. Go to a movie, get a massage, or do a little shopping. (Try not to use food as an incentive or a reward.) Remember, your resolution is not meant to punish you but to benefit you.

Get Started Now

You don't need to change your entire routine at once, just start doing something. You can refine and change your plan as you go. Even very simple changes—like eating a little less salt every day—will still benefit you. Incremental change is still change.

Living with an adult child may be new to you and involve some trial and error. Putting the living and financial arrangements in writing may help to set the foundation and encourage communication between you and your family members.

Adapted and excerpted from:

"Losing Weight," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (reviewed 02/2018).

"Interested in Losing Weight?" National Agricultural Library, USDA (revised 05/2018).