4 Tips for making Successful New Year’s Resolutions

drink-3108934_1920Happy Friday friends! Can you believe there are only two days left in 2017? For those of you who set New Year’s resolutions, I wanted to share some tips on making them achievable before you start the holiday weekend.
Here are 4 tips for making Successful New Year’s Resolutions
1. Set a realistic goal
Instead of going on a strict diet or setting unrealistic goals that can leave you feeling deprived, guilty and/or defeated, find a goal you can stick with. Aim for a serving of fruits or veggies at each meal or a serving of beans or lentils every day. Make water your go-to beverage. Try cooking at least one meal a day at home. Find a form of physical activity that makes you happy (ahem, Bollywood Groove).

2. Focus on health not weight
Increased energy, decreased stress, improved digestive comfort, and reduced blood glucose or A1C are better markers of health and wellbeing than the number on the scale.

3.Make a plan of action
Give yourself at least 3 months for those healthy goals to start becoming habits. Write down 2-3 goals to focus on at a time, and reassess in 3-6 months, adding on or updating as needed.

4. Stay accountable
Keep a journal, check in with regularly with a supportive friend or family member, or work with a Registered Dietitian to make sustainable changes towards your health goals.

Finally, it’s never too early to start. I hear a lot of people say, “Starting January 1st or starting on Monday, I’ll do x.” What’s preventing you from starting right now?

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2018!

By Rachelle LaCroix Mallik, MA, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian and Owner of The Food Therapist, LLC
For more healthy eating inspiration, follow Rachelle at The Food Therapist!
Questions? Send me an email at rachelle@rachellemallik.com.

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Rachelle LaCroix Mallik, MA, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian and owner of The Food Therapist, LLC, a private nutrition counseling practice based in Chicago. Rachelle specializes in reproductive nutrition for fertility, prenatal, and postnatal wellness. She earned a Bachelor’s with Honors in Human Nutrition at Arizona State University and a Master’s in Food Studies – Food Culture at New York University. Rachelle is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Women’s Health Dietetic Practice Group, and she serves on the board of the Academy’s Chicago chapter.

Rachelle lives in Lakeview with her husband Ronak, baby boy Arjuna, and adopted pup Lola. She’s also a Bolly Groover – it’s her favorite form of cardio!

Visit her at rachellemallik.com or follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @rachellemallik.