While the rest of the party is counting down the seconds until the ball drops and it’s officially a new year, you’re in the corner shoveling in cookies, chips and other delicious goodies you claim to be giving up once the clock strikes midnight. It’s New Year’s Eve, the last night you’re allowing yourself to eat sweets and junk food. Now fast forward five minutes and you’re having your third piece of cheesecake claiming your resolution doesn’t “officially” start until you wake up the next morning.
Instead of depriving yourself this year, which will ultimately leave you ready to binge at the drop of a hat (or cookie crumb), let’s try setting realistic goals that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I’ve had my fair share of goals where I tried to stop eating sweets cold turkey after a late night binge on Meijer’s bulk candy—I prefer Brach’s Bridge Mix. To be realistic, cutting out anything completely just doesn’t work. The fact that you know you can’t have it will make you crave it even more. So, as a solution, your first goal should be to cut back the amount you eat. If you have a killer sweet tooth, your goal should be to reduce the amount of goodies you eat in a week. Start with three nights a week—prepare a light fruity dessert: frozen strawberries with plain yogurt, an apple with cinnamon and a light honey drizzle, or my personal favorite, half of a cup of honey nut cheerios with a piece of extra dark chocolate melted overtop. The other four nights allow yourself a couple scoops of ice cream, but opt for reduced fat or a “light” variety. If ice cream isn’t your poison, grab a couple of cookies and a glass of milk or a piece of chocolate cake.
The key isn’t deprivation—it’s portion control and moderation. Eventually, your sweet tooth should lessen and five nights a week you will be able to skip the cookies and choose a piece of fruit as your yummy dessert instead. Also, try to squeeze in dessert three or four hours before bed. Although it may not play a factor in keeping weight off, it allows for better digestion which will let you get a good night’s sleep and will keep you feeling clean and refreshed the next day.
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If this year’s resolution is geared more towards fitness—I’ve got you covered. A great way to stay motivated is to set one big goal along with a few small ones. Follow my previous article on how to run your first 5k—and use that as your big goal so you stay in shape all winter long. When you have a goal in sight, you will be less likely to skip your workouts. The small goals should relate to your big one—if you hope to run a 5k once the snow melts, decide that by March you should be able to run one mile in nine or ten minutes. If running a 5k isn’t your thing, work towards something as simple as feeling more confident walking into the gym, with your small goals being that once a week you opt for the stair climber instead of your go-to treadmill.
A New Year doesn’t necessarily have to mean a “new you.” Trust me when I say you’re not so bad the way you are now! New Year’s resolutions should be fun, exciting and positive. As tempting as it may be, try not to fixate on how much you weigh and especially don’t compare your weight to your friends. Every woman is different and carries her weight differently. Instead, focus on how you feel—as silly as it sounds, pick something you really like about yourself and run with it. Love your eyes? Play them up with a smoky liner. What about your extra white smile? Try a sassy red lipstick to boost your confidence. This New Year should be about feeling good about you. When you feel good, you look good and visa versa! Know your goals—and keep working toward a more confident you.