Is Your New Year’s Resolution to Lose Weight or Improve Your Health?

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Introduction

Many people say they plan to lose weight or lower their blood sugar, pressure, or cholesterol in the New Year, but the difference between a “wish” and a “resolution” is having a plan in place to actually do it.

Wish or Resolution?

A “wish” is really just a hope that something will occur, whereas a “resolution” is a firm decision associated with specific qualities. A resolution is a SMART goal; one which is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

[Image of SMART goals infographic]

A goal to “lose weight” isn’t specific—it’s just a wish. A resolution to stop eating foods with added sugar or to eat whole, real foods low in refined carbohydrates is specific. A resolution is also measurable; deciding to lose one pound a week for six months is a clear plan for success.

Is the goal achievable and realistic? For example, if you want to incorporate intermittent fasting but still eat dinner with your family, choosing an 18:6 eating window is entirely realistic. Finally, a goal must be timely (or time-bound), meaning it is set to be achieved within a specific timeframe.

The Critical 66 Days

Without a SMART plan, 50% of people give up on their goals by the end of the first week of January [1]. By the end of the month, that number rises to 83% [1]. This happens because it takes approximately 66 days (over two months) for a new habit to become ingrained [2]. Having professional support during this critical window is essential for long-term success.

More Info?

I can help you get off to a good start in achieving your New Year’s resolution. The best time to put a plan in place is now—before the festivities begin. If you would like more information, you can learn about me here.

To your good health!

Joy

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References

  1. Norcross, JC et al. Auld lang syne: success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year’s resolvers and nonresolvers. J Clin Psychol. 2002 Apr;58(4):397-405. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1151
  2. Lally, P. et al. How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol. 2010. 40: 998–1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674
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