New Year’s resolutions
Print
EmailCommon New Years resoultions and how to keep them
Do you have your New Year’s resolution? Do you usually set one? Do you ever keep one? Getting fit, losing weight, saving money and managing debt can all be better managed if you have a handle on your food intake, budget and exercise. This article will offer tips from Michigan State University Extension on how to do so. With a little planning, you can do all three. The top 10 New Years resolutions according to usa.gov are:
- Save money
- Reduce, reuse and recycle
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress
- Manage debt
- Lose weight
- Get fit
- Get a better job
- Get a better education
- Drink less alcohol
To lose weight you need to take in fewer calories than you use. You can do this by creating and following a plan for healthy eating and regular physical activity. Make a menu plan for the week, including many fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Check what you have on hand before making a shopping list. Check the sale flyers for specials that you can fit into your menu plan. Then, make a list of those items you need to complete your meals. Think about snacks as being nutritious, not what are considered treats, like sweets and salty foods. See how far a four-dollar bag of apples goes as opposed to a four-dollar bag of chips. When the list is made, stick to it. Many impulse buys make for a larger bill in any store. Even if it’s on sale, it isn’t a good investment if you don’t need it and any amount of money you save can be spent to reduce your bills.
When you go to the store, try a parking spot further from the door than usual, use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator – make every outing another occasion for more physical activity. Think about games and/or outdoor activities you can do with family and friends instead of spending money on movies and restaurants. Limit screen time (movies, tv, computer) for yourself and your family. Little changes can make a difference in your physical health.
Hopefully, you will be able to keep your New Year’s Resolution this year and lose weight, be fit and keep a little money in your pocket too!
