Too many of the most commonly implemented resolutions to improve weight, mental clarity, and general health are dead on arrival. As tempting as it is to go for the obvious trends, there are better ways than you think
Of course, it’s always a great motivator to set new goals and plans to improve one’s line heading into any given new year. Unfortunately, committing to a draconic cold turkey plan to cut out certain aspects of a diet or ongoing participation in some sort of extreme work program doesn’t solve problems.
Watch out for these behaviors that have been guided by unfounded assumptions and overgeneralization of the real core issues:
Stop Eating X Bad Food
Completely quitting intake of caffeine such as coffee or sugar from specific desserts is something almost anyone can achieve temporarily. Many of us know a friend or family member that committed to such a plan for several weeks.
It’s more important to realize that dessert is a healthy part of life in moderation and adds flexibility to a diet due to sugar being one of the required chemical compounds necessary for the body to function.
The solution: In accordance with data issued by The World Health Organization, added sugar should not increase beyond 10% of a human’s total daily calorie consumption. If you really want to become a monk, they say it’s better to reduce it to 5%. This still allows for an abundance of opportunities for sweets while maintaining balance in the diet.
Lose X Amount of Weight
Obsession over the value presented by the scale is not healthy for most people. Even if working out for physical benefits, weight often takes an extreme toll on mental health. If you do need to lose several pounds, it pays to take a more insightful approach than sacrificing your happiness to achieve it.
The solution: Give more thought to what will make you healthier if your current weight value does not decrease. Consider exercising for a set amount of time per week or consuming more protein, vegetables, and fiber. These superior plans can be performed alongside weight loss or perhaps even in substitution.
The Hardcore Exercise Regimen
If you hate going for runs so much, why on earth are you trying to become a cross country aficionado? If you hate attending the gym, why are you purchasing a membership whose start date is January 1? It’s not bad to resolve these by chance, but the emphasis should be placed on trying something new instead of a commitment to guaranteed pain over the course of a year.
The solution: If there exists a physical activity you have found pleasurable in the past, try to do that instead. Play tennis, take up hiking, or go ice skating. Fun activities pass the time and the calorie-burning much more seamlessly than something you are forcing yourself to do. Find what works best and stick to it.
Reattempting Past Resolutions
If you’ve tried the same thing over many years and haven’t achieved the benefits of the intended results, your odds of turning over a new leaf this year are slim.
The solution: Reflect on the lessons acquired from past attempts. This time around, set your goals around more realistic expectations (e.g., meditate on a weekly basis instead of daily). If a particular goal was rather vague in nature, dissect it one by one and establish a believable plan instead of basing it around wishful thinking.