ROCKVILLE, MD Every Jan. 1, gyms get more crowded, the grocery store's healthy food aisles become more popular, and goals are set higher than the year before.
But even with the best of intentions, unrealistic or overwhelming New Year's resolutions are usually doomed from the start.
But don't stress 2020 could be your year!
Patch spoke with local dietitians and a personal trainer to find out what it takes to get healthy and stay healthy beyond the new year. Here's what they said:
1. In your opinion, what's the best way(s) for someone to get healthy and stick to a manageable eating plan?
To get healthy and stay that way don't look for another diet or lifestyle eating plan. You can bypass diets that don't work by learning intuitive eating skills, that is, eating food that you love while also listening to your body and honoring your hunger and fullness cues.
2. As a dietitian, is there are common reason (or reasons) why people abandon their resolutions?
Statistically, about 95 percent of people who go on diets end up gaining all of the weight back after two years. So, diet resolutions don't work likely because diets simply don't work for long-term weight loss. Plus, all people tend to break self-imposed rules. We are naturally rebellious. In terms of eating, it's natural to want to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables after a couple of weeks of heavier eating over the winter holidays - that's perfectly normal. No need to set yourself up for breaking a resolution just eat food that you're craving.
3. What do people who stick to their weight loss and healthy food goals have in common?
People who stick to eating and weight loss goals tend to be a bit more rigid in mindset, obsessive, and harbor rule-following traits. So, it's not necessarily positive. That said, one can certainly be perfectly healthy and at the right weight for themselves without having any goals in that direction. Intuitive eating and mindful movement isn't about setting goals.
4. Any myths you wish to dispel? Tricks or suggestions?
It's normal for the New Year to be a time of re-set. It's inspiring to imagine the next year being better and to think of the myriad of ways we can better ourselves. But instead of setting goals to change our bodies, I encourage my clients to think of something they'd like to work on as an intention for 2020. And, keep it positive! Me, I'm going to work on being more patient and empathetic with my kids (one of them is a teen).
1. In your opinion, what's the best way(s) for someone to get fit and stick to a manageable exercise plan?
Individuals increase their likelihood of success if they begin their journey with a fitness professional someone who is currently credentialed to perform a thorough assessment and develop an appropriate program. To stay on track, they will need to learn technique/proper form, how to stay safe, and possibly enlist someone to help them stay committed/accountable. It doesn't have to be forever, but people should recognize they are worth the investment of time and money. Those who can't afford a personal trainer should start small. A beginner may say: "I'm going to spend 15 minutes exercising 3 times per week during each week of January."
This objective is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Each 15-min bout can include a combination of things brisk walking, body weight squats, planks, stretching. If they are successful, they can add a couple of minutes to each session before the month ends.
For February, they can set a new plan for the month and quarter. Fitness professionals or even an app can help him/her plan to meet that objective. Also, it helps to enlist a buddy for support and accountability.
2. Any advice for people who are intimidated by the gym?
YES, please don't feel self-conscious or intimidated. EVERYONE was new at one time, and no one is staring at you or hoping you'll be unsuccessful! Trainers want you to hire them, but staff can help you 5 minutes at a time, even if working with a trainer isn't in your budget. Find a staff member who can help you each time you go to the gym! The gym is sort of an adult "jungle gym" where you can get hurt if you're not careful, so please allow people to help you if they approach you. And take advantage of any gym's assessment and comp training session, as it's an opportunity to be assessed and to learn what you need.
3. As a trainer, is there are common reason (or reasons) why people abandon their resolutions?
Probably because they set their goals too high too soon, or go too hard too fast. Of course, work and family demands can make it hard for people to stay committed and/or accountable. That's where a buddy or trainer can help. New habits can be hard to stick with, so other people and/or apps can help you stay on track. Reflect on the past to figure out where you may have "gone wrong," and determine what you can do differently this time to help you be more successful.
4. What do people who stick to their fitness goals have in common?
People who start a program and stick with it have figured out what works for them. Trial and error, perseverance, persistence, stubbornness...call it whatever you like...all of these behaviors or qualities can work in our favor if we allow them to.
5. Any myths you wish to dispel?
Myths or statements that have always bugged me relate to muscle vs fat tissue. 1) FACT: You cannot change muscle into fat. You can lose fat and gain muscle at the same time, but one does not magically turn into the other. The right exercise program, combined with proper nutrition, can help a person change their body composition...no matter their age. 2) FACT: Muscle does not weigh more than fat. More precisely, one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. THAT is why the scale may say you haven't lost weight when your clothes are looser and you begin to look trimmer. Also, the scale is not the only way to measure progress.
6. Any other tricks or suggestions?
Dig deep to answer why you want to get in shape, get fit, lose weight, etc. Use your thoughts to help you stay motivated. Don't be too hard on yourself. You will sometimes miss a workout or eat too much....just get back on track ASAP. If you think you have an eating problem, see a therapist.
If you hate exercise, find a way to make it fun or tolerable. If you can afford it, hire a professional to help you get started. If you weigh yourself daily, which I don't necessarily recommend, compare your weight to the same day of the previous week, NOT the day before. Try to look at the big picture and remember the reason(s) WHY you're doing what you're doing. One "bad day" of eating or one missed workout will not ruin you.
1. In your opinion, what's the best way(s) for someone to get healthy and stick to a manageable eating plan?
Success and sustainability in achieving one's health goals starts with motivation and setting realistic expectations. Rather than focusing on weight loss, the most sustainable motivation often centers around what a person can measure daily in terms of energy, mood, cravings, sleep, and stress management. These changes provide a more immediate return on someone's investment in their health. A nutritional plan that is realistic in terms of logistics and one that manages hunger and cravings is another key ingredient to sustainability.
2. As a dietitian, is there are common reason (or reasons) why people abandon their resolutions?
Resolutions are often short-lived because they aren't rooted in long term progression. Resolutions have a tendency to just be something that we do at the beginning of the year for a "fresh start." So, having long term goals with a realistic plan and expectations can ensure more sustainable success.
3. What do people who stick to their weight loss and healthy food goals have in common?
They understand and are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes. They aren't just looking for a quick fix.
4. Any myths you wish to dispel?
That all carbs are bad and cause weight gain! There are numerous ways to qualify and quantify carbs strategically to achieve weight loss as well as other health and wellness goals.
5. Any other tricks or suggestions?
Yes, the recipe often comes down to hormone balance. Stress and blood sugar hormones are often pulling the strings on our tendency toward weight gain and how we feel physically and emotionally. All of these factors play a major role in our behavior and the food choices we make.
Editor's note: Some answers have beed edited for conciseness and clarity.
Read more:
Health, Fitness Resolutions: Experts Share How To Stick With Them - Rockville, MD Patch
