Here’s To Your Health!

January 1, 2008

Photo by slightly winded
How long will your New Year’s resolutions last?

The holidays are almost over. And nearly 70 percent of adults are setting New Year’s resolutions for 2008. And, as usual, four of the top five resolutions are expected to relate to health. According to a national survey, the top two resolutions are expected to be losing weight and exercising more, with the resolution to quit smoking taking third. Getting a new job is expected to take fourth place, and eating healthier will fall into fifth. But what percentage of that 70 percent will have forgotten about their resolution come spring? The survey doesn’t say, but I’m guessing low by saying it will be a good 70 percent of that 70 percent.

My resolution, however, is to help my readers keep their resolutions … by doing my best to arm each of you with health information so you can maintain your health-related goals. And I will start the new year by providing artillery to assist you with your resolutions. So let’s tackle the above resolutions, respectively.

Losing weight. It is doable. But don’t expect to drop 20 pounds in one month. Oh, sure, they can do it on The Biggest Loser, and I even recommend The Biggest Loser diet program on my diet page, but remember they have personal trainers working with them daily who keep them motivated and tell them what they can and cannot eat. And while I use the word “diet” loosely, I don’t personally believe in diets as diets are temporary. When the diet ends, the weight returns. So instead of going on a diet, try changing your lifestyle habits … that is changing your eating habits and physical activities … and track your progress as you go. For those of us who don’t have personal coaches to track our progress, try using websites such as FitDay, which provides a free online journal, or SparkPeople, which provides free diet meal plans. Also, be sure to set reasonable goals. If you set your goals too high, you are more likely to feel failure. In the same breath, if you set your goals too low, you will make little progress and likewise feel failure. Another site to check out is Bob Greene’s The Best Life Diet, who preaches that it’s not just about losing weight, but it’s about living your best life.
Exercising. Exercising is essential for good health, whether you go for low impact or high impact. Yes, the higher the impact, the more calories you will burn. But many people maintain good health and have even lost weight merely by taking a daily brisk walk and eating right. However, choose an exercise plan you enjoy. That may be one particular thing or perhaps a variety of different things, such as swimming, racquetball, tennis, aerobics, pilates, cardio kickboxing, and yoga. If you have kids, get active with them by having your own little soccer or football games.
Quiting smoking. It takes on average five attempts to kick this nasty habit. And according to the American Cancer Society, 70% of U.S. smokers will say they want to quit, but only 5% to 10% will actually be successful. Take these steps to increase your odds of being in the minority: (1) throw away your cigarettes, (2) write down and carry with you a motivational list of reasons for quitting, (3) if you have certain activities you do while smoking, substitute them with other activities, (4) tell your friends, family, and co-workers about your plans to quit and ask them to hold you accountable, (5) instead of reaching for cigarette sticks, reach for carrot sticks or cinnamon sticks, but nothing loaded with calories, (6) avoid situations that urge you to smoke, and (7) try to stay busy.
Getting a new job. In the opening paragraph, I implied that getting a new job is not health related, but truthfully it is. If you are in a bad work situation, it can be quite depressing and lead to over eating and lack of exercise among other things. It’s never too late for a change. Whether you want to change careers or just change locations, go for it! Make it a top goal. Allow a chance for new doors to open in your life.
Eating healthier. This falls fifth on the list, but it should be number one on everyone’s list. It is the first thing that should be done to achieve good heath. Eat superfoods daily. These includes foods such as blueberries, pomegranates, beans, flaxseed, tomato sauce, and yogurt with probiotics. Eating superfoods will help your body build a strong immune system and in return can help you lose weight, exercise better, quit smoking, and even get a new job.