Re-Energize Your Goals in the New Year

We understand it’s easy for your healthy habits to get lost in the holiday shuffle. Now that the new year is here, you may desire to get your health goals back on track. If so, you aren’t alone — 48% of Americans say they make weight loss their New Year’s resolution. Here are a few simple tips to help you get started:

Do you feel drained after the holidays? It may be time to check how much water you consume. We recommend you drink at least half your body weight in ounces daily to stay hydrated. If you need a flavor boost, add fresh fruit slices, lemon, or some sprigs of mint leaves.

Sleep won’t just help you feel more rested. It can also support your weight loss efforts! However, too little sleep causes a surge in ghrelin, making you feel hungry and increasing the likelihood of reaching for unhealthy foods. The Sleep Foundation recommends adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Movement is an excellent way to jumpstart your metabolism — so make sure it’s part of your routine. Studies even suggest a strong link between exercise and your mood. Just 5 minutes of light exercise (like walking) can be enough to lift your spirits.

Restaurant food is meant to look and taste great. This means nutrition often falls by the wayside when dishes are drenched in butter or rich sauces with few fruits and vegetables. However, you can eat out without sacrificing your diet. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Look at the menu before you arrive and select a meal that can be customized to fit your diet.
• Avoid dishes that are breaded, fried, or smothered. These will often contain more fat and calories than those that have been steamed, grilled, or roasted.
• When your meal arrives, ask for a to-go box and portion out your food before digging in to prevent over-eating.
• Pay attention to the fine print as some restaurants offer substitutes for pasta like zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash or a lettuce cup instead of a burger bun.

Connection with like-minded individuals helps with weight loss motivation in many ways. Individuals with a support network often lose more weight and keep it off longer. Identify someone you think can offer support during your weight loss journey and ask for their encouragement.

We understand that sometimes it’s easy for your healthy habits to get lost in the holiday shuffle. If so, revisit your weight loss goals and set new ones to help you get back on track.

Try This: Grab a notebook and write down your goals. People who vividly describe their aspirations are 1.4 times more likely to succeed than someone who didn’t write anything down.