It’s January, the time of year many of us commit to change our lifestyles. However, this isn’t the only time we can make a change. Clarian bariatrics’ fitness and health expert Erin Light teams up with registered dietitian Sarah Muntel to offer tips to help you stay on track with your fitness and nutrition commitments throughout 2011.
What are some of the biggest reasons most people’s nutrition and fitness resolutions fail?
Sarah Muntel: Resolutions fail for many reasons. The biggest reason people fail is because they try to take on too much and plan huge changes that are unreasonable. Some decide to go on a liquid diet or give up carbohydrates completely. These are unreasonable tasks and things you can’t maintain long term. When you look at a new nutritional plan, ask yourself: “Is this something I can do forever?” If it’s not, it’s probably not a good plan.
Should people who are trying to stick with new fitness and nutrition commitments allow themselves to have “cheat days,” where they can eat whatever they like?
Erin Light: For successful weight loss, you have to know your own tendencies and how you might be affected by getting into such a habit. If you find yourself having more and more indulgences or going “overboard” on certain days, then you might risk sabotaging your own efforts. Nobody does it perfectly.
Muntel: When trying to change so much at one time, people struggle. But a “cheat day” is probably not the best option. Going completely off your plan and eating all day long can get you off track and make it hard to get back on. Instead, try to think of other ways to reward yourself. You could go with a non-food reward and treat yourself by spending a day at the movies or buying a new book.
What tips/rules would you offer for starting/maintaining a New Year’s resolution?
Muntel: Instead of making drastic changes this new year, decide to make small changes that happen gradually over time. Small changes can add up quickly and can have a big impact on your diet. When you gradually make a couple changes it won’t be so overwhelming and you won’t be so likely to quit. Start by giving up your afternoon trip to the coffee shop or trying to take a 15-minute walk during your lunch break. Once you make those changes, add some more. By the end of 2011, you’ll be a different person.
