‘Thinking about goals differently’: Here’s how to keep on track with your New Year’s resolution

Keeping the renewed focus on health throughout the year can be a challenge.

Ed Stiles, a fitness expert at Temple Fitness, advised focusing on the process and to do things that make you feel good.

“Part of that is thinking about goals differently. I’m going to look at process,” Stiles told CHAT News.

“So I’m going to come to the gym three times a week. I’m going to walk my dog every day. I’m going to improve my sleep, hygiene, routine. I’m going to eat smarter meals more often, that type of stuff, as opposed to picking something that’s long term.”

That focus on the immediate does not mean giving up on long-term objectives, Stiles said.

“It’s just to say, focus on those goals,” he said, adding that choosing those are related to one’s emotions.

“The other thing would be to pick goals that have to do more about how you feel, how you move, how you function.”

Healthier eating is also a popular resolution.

Registered dietitian Jennifer Paterson suggested starting off with weak with a meal plan.

“Maybe do a little bit of prep on the weekend if that’s a day that you have a little bit more time and then even write it up on your fridge,” Paterson said.

“So that when you get home after work and it’s a crazy evening, you’re not up to run through the fast food, drive thru, right.”

“You have a plan at home and you’ve got those groceries at home. So you don’t want them to go to waste.”

Paterson said adding more fruits and vegetables is a good way to work on eating healthier as they provide numerous health benefits.

With rising food costs, Paterson notes buying them fresh does not always have to be your go to option.

“”Especially in the winter time, buying frozen vegetables and fruits is a really good way to sneak them in,” Paterson said.

“So maybe you buy a variety of frozen fruits and you make smoothies or you make fruit and yogurt parfait or you throw them into baking or you throw frozen veggies into soups and stews and pasta dishes and things like that.”

“But really not going a meal without making sure you’re also planning the vegetables and fruits that are going to go into that.”

Getting more physical exercise does not mean spending hours in the gym every week.

Stiles suggests even 20 minutes of activity per day can be integrated into your daily routine. This can be as simple as putting an exercise bike in front of your TV and utilizing it while you watch a show or sports.

He adds focusing on ways to enjoy exercise will keep you motivated.

“Grabbing a buddy or a trainer or doing an app that’s going to make it fun for you,” Stiles said.

“Understanding that it doesn’t have to be these hour long, hour and a half long commitments of your time.”

“It can really be just about fitting it in where you can right, doing he stairs at home three or four times, doing a core routine in the morning.”

Health experts say staying focused and starting with minor adjustments to your fitness and eating routines will help keep you committed to your New Year’s resolution.

by Jesse Gill

‘Thinking about goals differently’: Here’s how to keep on track with your New Year’s resolution

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