If you`re hoping to see a smaller number on the bathroom scale in the new year, well, you`re definitely not alone. Eating better and exercising more are two resolutions that top a lot of people`s lists.
The best goals for the new year are smart goals -- ones you`ll achieve. How do you establish a smart goal? Well, there`s an acronym for you to keep in mind on your road to success.
"To make a smart goal, your goal needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. An example goal would be to lose 20 pounds in 8 months by exercising three times a week," said Medcenter One dietitian Amanda Ihmels.
The best way to fail if you`re trying to make a change, is by keeping it a secret. Accountability is key if you plan to improve your lifestyle.
"That`s why things like Weight Watchers and Alcoholics Anonymous and joining a boot camp or even just getting an exercise buddy really helps, because you have that person to be accountable to and it just makes it a lot more fun, a lot more supportive environment," explained Melanie Carvell, director of Medcenter One Women`s Health.
And technology has given us other great resources like smartphone apps.
Ihmels said, "It allows people to input what they`re eating throughout the day and also input their physical activity so you can see how long you need to exercise for that bottle of pop you`re going to drink."
It`s important to let go of the `All or Nothing` mindset. If you want to make a real change, you`ll need a positive, forgiving attitude to get you there.
"Allow for times when we`re maybe not going to eat the best or we`re going to fall off the fitness wagon because life is going to throw a wrench into it. Forgive yourself. Hope back on track if you fall off."
Achieving small goals and seeing results keeps gym-goers enthused, and makes them more likely to stick with their routine. If you don`t exercise at all now, don`t set yourself up for failure by committing to 7 days a week.
The best goals for the new year are smart goals -- ones you`ll achieve. How do you establish a smart goal? Well, there`s an acronym for you to keep in mind on your road to success.
"To make a smart goal, your goal needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. An example goal would be to lose 20 pounds in 8 months by exercising three times a week," said Medcenter One dietitian Amanda Ihmels.
The best way to fail if you`re trying to make a change, is by keeping it a secret. Accountability is key if you plan to improve your lifestyle.
"That`s why things like Weight Watchers and Alcoholics Anonymous and joining a boot camp or even just getting an exercise buddy really helps, because you have that person to be accountable to and it just makes it a lot more fun, a lot more supportive environment," explained Melanie Carvell, director of Medcenter One Women`s Health.
And technology has given us other great resources like smartphone apps.
Ihmels said, "It allows people to input what they`re eating throughout the day and also input their physical activity so you can see how long you need to exercise for that bottle of pop you`re going to drink."
It`s important to let go of the `All or Nothing` mindset. If you want to make a real change, you`ll need a positive, forgiving attitude to get you there.
"Allow for times when we`re maybe not going to eat the best or we`re going to fall off the fitness wagon because life is going to throw a wrench into it. Forgive yourself. Hope back on track if you fall off."
Achieving small goals and seeing results keeps gym-goers enthused, and makes them more likely to stick with their routine. If you don`t exercise at all now, don`t set yourself up for failure by committing to 7 days a week.
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