Deciding on a new year’s resolution that impacts your everyday routine can often be intimidating – but, what if we told you it didn’t have to be that way? Sometimes we set these grand goals for ourselves that realistically would take more than just one New Year’s resolution to accomplish. Instead of reusing last year’s goal, we’re challenging you to set a resolution in 2016 that’s obtainable and tailored just for YOU! We’ve provided some resolutions courtesy of our favorite nutrition and behavioral team to help you get started! Even experts of wellness and healthy living strive to keep improving their lives!
Jennifer Christman, RD, LDN, CPT New Year’s Resolution
The past 15 years, I was an avid runner, running 5K races, countless half-marathons and one marathon. If you are a runner, then you realize the enjoyment. Well, about 2 ½ years ago I suffered an injury in my foot, which stopped me dead in my tracks. No more running. It took me over a year to recover, but I haven’t been able to run like I use to. Fast forward to today, I have done a great job of managing my injury and now I want to start slowly running again. For my exercise resolution, I will run 1.5 miles twice a week.
For my nutrition resolution, I want to strictly eat a fruit and a vegetable with every meal. I typically eat 5 fruits and vegetables per day, but it varies. To accomplish this goal, I will keep my kitchen stocked with grab and go fruits and vegetables. I am especially looking forward to learning more ways to incorporate vegetables in the morning, which has always been a challenge for me.
Alexandra Miller, RDN, LDN, New Year’s Resolution
I have always enjoyed baking; I think mostly because I enjoy eating the fruits of my labor. As a dietitian, I love finding ways to transform recipes into healthier versions. Zucchini brownies, carrot cookies, pumpkin bread, Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies—you name it, I’ve made it. Unfortunately, last winter my baking got a little out of control. It got to a point where I realized I needed to make a change. After a few half-hearted and futile attempts, I realized that the best way to change my habit was to rid my house completely of all things baking, and that is exactly what I did. I stocked my kitchen with more fruits and yogurts to have as an alternative and began channeling my energy into creatively cooking (not baking) with fruits and vegetables. And I feel so much better!
In 2016, I want to focus on maintaining this habit. During the winter months and holiday season, it will and already has, proven to be quite difficult. Who doesn’t want to bake holiday treats for parties and gifts or whip up a batch of warm cranberry bread to go with a cup of hot soup on a cold winter day? Knowing how far I’ve come and how good I feel, however, makes me want to continue practicing the healthy habit I’ve created in the year ahead.
Charlotte Martin, RDN, LDN, New Year’s Resolution
I’ll admit it – I have an (unhealthy) obsession with diet peach Snapple! It’s quite delicious and refreshing, but also packed with artificial sweeteners, which research suggests can disturb the gut microbiota. My resolution for 2016 is to gradually cut back on diet peach Snapple, starting by having one per day to none by the end of March. In order to accomplish this, I will substitute my other refreshing favorites like naturally-flavored seltzer water and Medifast’s Unsweetened Lemon Energy Infuser!
Nick Frye, LCPC, NCC, DCC, New Year’s Resolution
I have always had difficulty sticking with exercise. My challenge comes down to boredom as I have struggled to find an exercise routine that keeps me interested, engaged, and excited. Two years ago I discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and all of that changed as I’ve been obsessed ever since! I typically attend my jiu-jitsu training sessions 2-3 times per week but I would prefer to continually practice and improve my skills. However, I am just unable to attend more training sessions due to my schedule, other commitments, and allowing myself a social life. Therefore, this year I resolve to attend yoga classes once a week at our Medifast Fitness Center because it will help to improve my jiu-jitsu by increasing my strength, flexibility, and focus.
