2016 Is Upon Us! CategoriesTo Your Health & Sanity

2016 Is Upon Us!

So how did 2015 treat you?!!  This past year, as all years, seemed to come and go very quickly.  We have a leap year, presidential election, and Summer Olympics to look forward to in 2016.

Did you meet all your goals for 2015?  If not, why not?  Is this year going to be different? I find that each year I set my intentions in December and January.  Once I know where I want to be by the end of the year, I decide on the actions I want to take to get me closer to my goals.  Knowing your end state will help you decide the best approach to take.

This sounds so easy, but many people set their goals and their action steps and still don’t achieve what they wanted to for the year.  Sometimes individuals can become overwhelmed with what needs to be done to get to their end state.  A suggestion is to plan activities that are small and achievable. Take one step at a time and set yourself up to be successful.  This will feel less overwhelming and give you a reason to celebrate your achievements.

An example of this, and a goal that many people have, is taking off extra weight.  Let’s say you want to release 30 pounds.  Instead of setting the goal of releasing that much weight, it is probably better to set a goal of taking off 5-7 pounds a month.  It is easier to deal with one month at a time rather than looking at the total amount all at once.  You know the expression how do you eat an elephant—one bite at a time!

Looking at the weight goal, one way to accomplish this is to make a decision to increase your physical activity.  Maybe start small and do something you really enjoy.  I love water aerobics and that is my physical activity of choice.  Join a gym or your local YMCA and find an activity you enjoy, then stick to it. Next, think about adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet and cutting back on sugar. Adding healthier options to your diet is probably less of an issue than depriving yourself of everything you enjoy–within reason of course.  That is why D-I-E-T is a four-letter word!  Find what works for you!   Making small changes will become a habit.  You will find that by giving your body healthier choices, you may not have the cravings you had before.

Keep in mind that these small changes are easier to stick with for the long run.  Releasing weight by changing your diet and increasing physical activity will be much easier to sustain.  It is a lifestyle choice!

So set your goals for 2016 and take them on one small step at a time!  Celebrate your accomplishments.

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Marie Giammarco is a mid generation Boomer who came of age in suburban New York, 50 miles north of the city. A child whose mom and grandparents were Italian immigrants, her close knit family defined her growing up years. The product of an environment that revolved around food, health, and physical activity, she saw many elderly people age before their time because they lacked these things. She has a passion to help Boomers and Seniors to be active and live a longer, more healthy life.