Happy New Year! It's half way through January and you may already be feeling the temptation to postpone or ignore some of the resolutions you made only a few weeks ago. New Year's resolutions, like any other changes, should be manageable and practical to ensure success. Here are some tips to help you keep your health-related resolutions:

1. Be practical in your choice
    Choose to make changes that can fit into your lifestyle easily and you're more likely to be successful. For example, during lunch hour, eat for 45 minutes and take a walk for the last 15 minutes.

2. Be very specific in your goal
    For example, "I will walk 15 minutes twice a day" is a better goal than "I will lose 15 pounds" and "I will add a more vegetables (eg. kale, spinach) to my dinner" is a better goal than "I will eat healthier".

3. If you eliminating a bad habit, make sure to replace it with a good one.
    For example, if you're going to reduce or avoid pop/soda, drink an extra few glasses of water in its place. Also, add another glass of water for each pop you do drink and for every 20 minutes of exercise.

4. Team up with a friend or partner
    It's much easier to make changes with support. Either tell a friend of your resolutions to create some accountability and have a supportive cheering section OR plan walks/exercise and maybe even healthy grocery shopping dates with your friend or partner.

5. Have fun!
    It's so important to enjoy what you are doing and feel connected to the process of achieving your goal. Sign up for a dance or cooking class or try out new recipes, include friends in your goals and do things together. If you enjoy what you are doing, you'll likely stick with it!

6. Celebrate your progress and reward yourself
    Little incentives along the way came make the path a little smoother. Celebrate and reward yourself with healthy delights like an aroma therapy bath, a massage, new haircut or manicure/pedicure, restorative spa yoga, acupuncture or a nice bouquet of flowers.
     Here are some great resources for you:
Nicole Van Damme Massage: http://www.nicolevandamme.com/
Keely Anderson, "Glossed" Nail Care: 778 998 0332
Emma Miller at Hype Hair Studio in Kitsilano: 604-732-4973
Sarah Harrison, Inner Tuth Yoga: http://www.innertruthyoga.org/
Dr. Eyal Lebel, Acupuncture: http://drlebeltcm.com/
Heather March, Florist, Greenstems Floral Boutique: www.greenstems.ca

7. Seek professional help
    Ask an expert on nutrition, healthy weight loss or supplements - like a naturopathic doctor - for advice and guidance.

Good luck and Here's to your health,
Dr. Mead
 


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