New Year’s resolutions, set yourself for success
New Year’s Resolutions: How to Make Them Stick! 🎯
Every January 1st, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions with high hopes. But how many actually stick to them?
A survey by Statista found that the most common resolutions for 2025 were:
✅ Save more money (21%)
✅ Eat healthier (19%)
✅ Exercise more (17%)
✅ Lose weight (15%)
✅ Spend more time with family (14%)
As a medical weight loss specialist, I help people achieve lasting results—not just quick fixes. If your goal is to lose weight, eat healthier, or exercise more, here’s how to set yourself up for success and avoid common pitfalls.
Resolutions Are Like a Journey, Not a Sprint
Imagine starting a long hike. You wouldn’t just lace up your shoes and go—you’d plan ahead, pace yourself, and prepare for obstacles.
Weight loss works the same way. Many people go all in too fast—hitting the gym daily or cutting out all their favorite foods overnight. This often leads to burnout, frustration, and giving up.
Instead, think long-term and make small, steady changes that last!
3 Practical Steps for Sticking to Your Goals
1️⃣ Start Before the New Year & Make a Plan
👉 Don’t wait for January 1st—start with small changes now.
👉 Set a clear goal and break it into easy, manageable steps.
👉 Example: If you want to exercise more, commit to 10-minute walks before jumping into a gym routine.
2️⃣ Set Yourself Up for Success
✔️ Make exercise easy: Put your gym clothes next to your bed so you see them first thing in the morning.
✔️ Not a morning person? Keep workout gear in your car for post-work gym sessions.
✔️ Plan healthy meals: Prep nutritious snacks so you’re not tempted by junk food.
3️⃣ Rethink “Healthy Eating”
🥗 Healthy eating isn’t about deprivation! You don’t need to eat “rabbit food” or cut out all treats.
💡 Some “healthy” foods (like granola or protein bars) are packed with sugar and fat.
🍕 Instead, make smarter swaps: Use olive oil, lean meats, and Greek yogurt for a healthier version of your favorite foods.
👉 Trick your brain into eating less:
Use a smaller plate—your brain thinks you’re eating more!
Serve food in the kitchen instead of bringing big portions to the table.
The Truth About Resolutions: It’s a Lifelong Journey
🚀 Resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress.
💡 You’ll have ups and downs, but that’s normal—don’t judge yourself too harshly.
🏁 If your goal is just to “reach the finish line,” you risk falling back into old habits.
🎉 You can do this! Start small, stay consistent, and focus on the big picture. Your future self will thank you!
Sources:
📌 Austin American-Statesman, 12/9/24
Stay Healthy, Stay Strong
Disclaimer: The provided article is strictly meant for educational purposes. Please speak with your healthcare specialist prior to attempting any treatment changes.
Conceived and written by Dr. Leon Katz
Polished by AI
