This time of year might seem to be the worst to think about healthier choices and losing weight, but it is never too early to start planning resolutions. Take advantage of this busy season to start working toward a “new normal” & jump-start those healthier habits in the New Year.
1. Do some research. Take a minute to scan cookbooks or a cooking website for healthy leftover or winter vegetable options. Find out if your health plan offers a wellness program. Use your downtime to read up on local events that will help you & your family stay active through the winter. Where is the nearest sledding hill? Heading to COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, one of the city’s museums – all are more stimulating than sitting on the sofa or plunking down extra money (and your butt) for a movie. Many local attractions have reduced admission or free days. Check them out now & plan for those gray mid-winter months.
2. Make an appointment with your doctor. Any changes you make will work best if you know where your starting point is health-wise. Let the scheduler know why you are coming in for a physical exam & if you have firm health goals now, state them so the doctor will be able to tailor your visit to your purpose. Request blood tests appropriate for your age, gender and family history (i.e. all women over 30 should have their thyroid function checked and everyone should have vitamin D, cholesterol and blood fat tests).
3. Write down what you need. Once you have your test results back and know what needs physical improvement, prioritize one or two issues that are easily manageable. It may be taking a daily multi-vitamin or vitamin D supplement or drinking more water throughout the day. Buy the supplements or a water bottle and start incorporating them into your routine, even if holiday craziness is in the mix. That may make new habits easier, the interruption in routine. Write a reminder down and put it where you will see it. Perfection is not the goal but consistency - that new normal - is.
4. Reexamine your cabinets & your shopping list. This includes the refrigerator and pantry. Now is the time to throw away expired medicines and food, remove unhealthy foods from the cupboards and freeze leftovers for quick and healthy dinners later. If you are cooking already, use what’s on the counter (oatmeal, raisins, walnuts) to make some usual food (i.e. breakfast oatmeal). Since it is likely you are adding different foods to your list during the holidays, keep the variety by adding something new and healthy to the list each week. Fresh, whole somethings, of course. Check out the sale items in the produce department & grab an extra can of pumpkin puree for later.
5. Reevaluate & prioritize your gym time. If you are struggling to fit in that hour-long gym session, amp up and shorten your workout with interval training. Fitness can be had in bursts as short as 20 minutes. Sign up for a winter fun run. Grab a couple of DVDs from the library and work up a sweat at home. Go on a hike or Walk with a Doc. Missing a workout here and there will not derail your fitness unless you make it a bad habit – not the kind of new normal to shoot for – but head to the gym the next day and don’t worry about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment