The age-old tradition of creating New Year’s resolutions is not lost. Many people use resolutions to help improve themselves spiritually, mentally or physically. Yet so many resolutions fail, year after year. Why is that?
The answer can be found in these five common diet mistakes people make when setting a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.
1. You start a fad diet
These diets are true to their name. And most often, these are diets that promise quick weight loss through unbalanced and unhealthy methods. Maybe your friend lost weight only eating raw fruits and vegetables for a month or not eating any carbohydrates, but was this sustainable? Was it healthy? Was your friend happy and thriving? Probably no, no and no.
Fad diets may show success in the short term, but there is a good chance you may actually harm your body and create an endless cycle of yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo dieting is mentally and physically taxing on your body. The solution? Create a meal plan that is well-balanced and sustainable. MyPlate offers helpful guidelines for creating a healthy eating plate.
2. You don’t have a plan
The majority of New Year’s resolutions are set forth with the best intentions. It’s easy to declare “I will lose weight this year” or “I will live a healthier lifestyle,” but these statements are nothing without a plan to back them up. It’s important to determine how you will accomplish this resolution. Write down what you will do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to ensure you are always pushing forward to reach your goals.
3. You lack specific goals
Without definitive goals in place, you have nothing concrete to strive toward. But when you set a goal, it’s important to make sure it’s S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. By setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, you’re able to hold yourself accountable and increase the likelihood of reaching your dreams. Also, avoid making several changes at once, as this can become overwhelming and lead to disappointment or discouragement.
4. You go full-speed ahead
Remember the story about the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race! Whether your New Year’s resolution is focused on your health or not, it’s important to take your time and do it right. By taking all the correct steps to accomplish your New Year’s resolution, you’ll help create sustainability and allow yourself to accomplish those goals over the long haul.
5. You make resolutions feel like a chore
In order to stick with your resolution, you must think positively. Thinking of your resolutions as a chore creates a negative environment that hinders your ability to reach that target. Don’t let something as simple as an open mind and positive self-talk hold you back.
Put these common mistakes behind you, and you’ll have no trouble sticking to your New Year’s resolutions!