Make 2014 Your Healthiest Year Yet!

By Amy Wagner on January 2, 2014

If you’re part of the 32 percent of Americans making resolutions for 2014, chances are that you may have resolved to adopt healthier habits. In fact, according to statistics published by the University of Scranton, the most popular New Year’s resolution is losing weight. Resolutions involving healthy lifestyle choices and wellness are admirable, but the first mistake many people make is setting goals that are far too lofty, causing them to quickly become discouraged. Read on to learn how to make – and keep – realistic New Year’s resolutions, and make 2014 your healthiest year yet!

Photo courtesy of nassauguidance.com

Instead of only setting a large-scale resolution, try smaller goals that allow for the creation of healthy habits, which will ultimately help with the larger goal. If you can’t remember the last time you went to the gym, setting a resolution to work out seven days a week at 5 AM probably isn’t realistic. Instead, set yourself up for greater success by choosing more achievable goals, such as going to the gym two days a week and working up from there.

Similarly, if you sludge through an hour on the elliptical every time you’re at the gym, you might not be as motivated to keep your resolution. Strive to make your workouts varied and fun in order to keep the motivation high and avoid plateauing at a certain fitness level. Try looking into the fitness classes at your gym or buy an exercise DVD that you think looks fun.

Sensible eating works in a similar manner. Instead of overhauling your eating overnight, make gradual changes that will stick. Rather than noshing on chicken and vegetables at every meal, make an effort to try a new recipe every week or incorporate a set number of fruits and vegetables each day.

Announcing large and small resolutions alike on social media may also help with maintaining your goals. By doing this, you help to create an atmosphere of accountability as well as a group of people that will cheer you on throughout your journey as you share your struggles and victories.

Did you make any resolutions for 2014? Sound off below!

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