New Year's Resolutions Done Right

Happy New Year! It’s reported that 50% of the American population set New Year’s resolutions each year.

- Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD

About half of those who do make resolutions resolve to make healthier lifestyle choices. While there are lots of opinions about the effectiveness of making resolutions, statistics show that you are ten times more likely to achieve a goal if you explicitly resolve to do so. So, if New Year’s resolutions feel right for you, I would go with that feeling!

The most commonly reported reason for not meeting goals is because they weren’t measurable or actionable. I find this to be especially true for food related changes. A broad goal of “eating healthier” probably won’t get you far. It feels too overwhelming and lacks direction. Instead, I would recommend choosing one small, measurable goal and making it a habit before moving on to something else.

To get you thinking, I’m going to list and explain five nutrition related goals that I know will make a big impact on how you feel and behave around food. Doing all five at once may feel like too much, so my recommendation is to choose one (or brainstorm some of your own!).