12 Totally Realistic New Year's Resolutions That Will Improve Your Health

New Year’s resolutions are a great way of setting goals and positive intentions, especially those concerning your health. But many resolutions fade by the spring because they’re unrealistic and not set up for long-term success. In order for you to stick to your goals, they need to be sustainable and actionable.

Here are 12 realistic New Year’s resolutions that will not only improve your health, but are also achievable, which is the whole point anyway, right?

Instead of desiring instant results, see fitness as a lifelong journey

Attaining optimal fitness is a journey, not a destination. Think of changing your lifestyle as something that’s constantly evolving rather than achieving a certain number on a scale by a certain date.

Instead of seeing exercise as an add-on, integrate it into your lifestyle

“Finding the time” to exercise can sometimes be nearly impossible, which is why it helps to find ways to integrate it into your lifestyle. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, for example. Do squats while brushing your teeth or hold a plank while watching TV.

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The Wonder Of Fresh Air on Baby’s Health A daily dose of fresh air helps a baby to sleep longer during the night time. Studies show that babies sleep longer at night when exposed to the sunlight during the day. Researchers link this to the fact that stimulus of light help babies to set the biological clock earlier, influenced by hormones and light and dark. The development of the biological clock is critically important as it regulates numerous bodily functions, including the secretion of melatonin-an important factor for well-balanced sleeping patterns. The general recommendation is 2 hours per day. And , look, mammas that’s a great thing to do with your lil’ one. They get healthier, and you get fitter. Here is a Stroller Workout for those fresh air walks. One more benefit=> calms down baby in no time, proved ✅ 1. Squat jumps & Squats 2. Lunge Back 3. Back leg lifts 4. Cross lunges 5. Side Ab crunches 6. Front leg raises 7. Single leg move 8. Roll down ( for stretching, your spine will thank you) 10 reps each move x 2 sets and you have a happy baby and mama 🙂 #shemovespostpartum

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Instead of trying that new fad diet, commit to eating more whole foods

Fad diets have a reputation for failure, and for good reason. They’re not sustainable. Instead, focus on incorporating more whole and nutritious foods into your diet, including fruits and veggies, lean protein and healthy fats.

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Finishing off the last of my meal prep with this bowl ✔️ Whenever I meal prep, my food never really seems to last me the whole week lol. Probably because I get so scared that all my food will go to waste so I start to obsess over making sure I eat it all ? I’m finally making Christmas cookies today and I’m so excited! And yes, they’re going to be full of gluten and sugar ? #noregrets —————————————————————————— Details: @organicgirl spinach, carrot chips, @barilla whole wheat pasta tossed in olive oil and oregano, steamed green beans, steamed brussel sprouts, and 1/2 an avocado seasoned with pepper • • • • • • #easyrecipes #healthyfood #whatsonmyplate #wholefoodsdiet #eatgoodfeelgood #realfood #eatrealfood #nourishbowl #eattherainbow #nourishplate #foodisfuel #fuelyourbody #brainfuel #saladbowl #foodbowl #simpleeats #cleaneats #simplefood #cleanfood #veganeats #vegetarianmeals #healthylunch #healthymeals #healthylunchideas

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Instead of takeout, do meal prep Sunday

While getting takeout for lunch or dinner is the easier choice, it’s not the healthier one. Commit to planning and prepping your meals on Sundays. You’ll not only save calories, but you’ll save money too.

Instead of cutting out your favorite snacks, eat them in moderation

Adhering to an all-or-nothing approach seldom works when it comes to eating habits because you end up craving that food and run the risk of bingeing. It’s a way better option to allow yourself the occasional treat than to deprive yourself.

Instead of committing to working out every day, relax a bit

If you’re a gym newbie or haven’t worked out in a long time, committing to working out every day is a big ask, and chances are you will fail, which will only lead to guilt and frustration. Instead, go easy. Try two to three times a week at first. You can always add more days afterward.

Instead of wanting to lose a certain amount of weight, look for body composition

The scale isn’t an accurate barometer of weight loss. Not only does 1 pound of fat weigh the same as 1 pound of muscle, but because muscle occupies less space than fat, your body will look leaner if you’re carrying more muscle. Use how your clothes fit and a measuring tape to track weight loss instead.

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I took a @jason_crandell @yogaglo class today and something he said encouraged me to keep my feet much further apart during my jump backs- more like a leap than a jump and while it kinda made me feel like a puddle hoppin’ bull frog it also made space for my belly/body/spirit in a way that keeping my feet closer together never has and I don’t know if it was something he said so much as it was that I fully listened with my WHOLE body. Sometimes I only listen with My Mind and that’s problematic bc My Mind says crazy shit during yoga classes. My Mind will tell me to stop listening to the teacher and only listen to My Anxiety. And My Anxiety don’t know nothin bout no yoga poses, I tell you that right now. Full flow is on IG TV and insta stories I was listening to this song while practicing and was fully singing it at one point bc “The Weekend” by @sza is the gospel Also, who knew my @gabifresh x @playfulpromises bralette could double as a sports bra

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Instead of counting calories, start a food journal

Counting calories can illicit unhealthy obsession with food intake. Instead, write down your health goals and track which foods you’re eating. It’s a good way to track what you’re consuming and keeps you accountable.

Instead of going it alone, get a gym buddy

Embarking upon a new fitness routine can be daunting, which is why it’s key to recruit a gym buddy. You’ll both serve as each other’s motivators and cheerleaders, striving to do better while also making exercising something fun to do.

Instead of investing in a personal trainer, buy an app

Personal training can end up being a big expense. If you need some guidance and motivation, there are a number of apps, both free and with minimal charge, that can get you the same results without the price. For example, Kayla Itsines’ BBG app is not only popular but is known for getting everyday women into amazing shape.

Instead of being general about “losing weight,” sign up for a race

Signing up for a competition like a 5K is an excellent method of goal-setting and will give specificity to your health goals. When you sign up for a race or an athletic challenge, you’ve already committed financially, so you’re more likely to work toward it over the months ahead.

Instead of pushing yourself, indulge in self-care

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the pressure of your goals and the day-to-day, but it’s just as essential to rest for the sake of your health as it is to keep moving. Give yourself a rest day and treat yourself to self-care indulgences, like meditating, yoga or even a hiking outdoors. Your body and mind will thank you.  

Brianne Hogan is a certified personal-training and healthy-eating coach.

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