“My New Year’s Resolution is _________________”

You hear this everywhere the first few weeks of a new year, and then somehow almost everyone has amnesia! It’s why for the past few years I haven’t made any New Year’s Resolutions–it’s almost like you’re setting yourself up for disaster and possible failure in a matter of a month. Now, I’m not at all saying you shouldn’t make goals, challenges, or changes for 2014–you should! There may be better ways in handling them though, like the always common “Losing Weight” Resolution. Instead, blogger Emily Abbate has tossed out a few better goals that re-examine weight loss and instead try to make you healthier overall without the stress of stringent diet and exercise.

1. Walk more: “Granted, I live in a city where walking is pretty much the easiest way to get around (and required even if you want to GET to public transportation). With that said, though, we can all do it more. Whether it’s not prowling the parking lot for the closest spot to the grocery store or choosing to actually GO shop around the mall instead of doing it from the couch. Small changes. But changes that get you walking around.”
 

2. Keep up with doctor’s appointments: “The dentist. A physical. The gynecologist. The podiatrist. It’s hard to keep ’em all straight, but it’s important to. Prior to my appointment next Thursday, I hadn’t been to a dentist in almost two years. There’s no excuse, so it’s time to stop making them.”
 

3. Swap your old, worn gear for new threads: “New year, new clothes. Sure, you could make a resolution to go to the gym five times/week, but then you’ll be mad at yourself if you don’t keep that promise. Instead, trade in some of those old college T-shirts for some new workout wear that you want to be seen in. This way, you may have a little extra motivation to head to that Pilates class.”
 

4. Buy frozen yogurt at the grocery store: “I know. You’re thinking I’m kidding. If there’s anything I know, it’s that 99 percent of females I’m friends with spend too much money at those self-serve fro-yo places. Instead of going to spend $8 on one dessert that is loaded with toppings and could serve three people, get a pint of low-calorie yogurt at the store. Keep it in your freezer, save money, and choose moderation over gluttony.”