Just because you kicked off the New Year with resolutions to eat better or exercise more doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the healthiest thing for you. A recent survey revealed that half of the people in the U.S. making resolutions aimed to exercise more, 47% hoped to eat healthier, and 35% aimed to lose weight.
Achieving these goals might require some significant changes in your lifestyle. For instance, when trying to eat healthier, some might choose specific diets like keto or intermittent fasting. Others might lean towards plant-based diets, sometimes motivated by environmental concerns.
A lot of people also see the New Year as a fresh start for their workout routines, like taking up running or deciding on more frequent gym visits. However, jumping from no exercise to hitting the gym several times a week can be quite intense for your body. It’s a great goal, but diving into an intense workout after being inactive can be a big leap.
Keep in mind that no matter how big or small your resolutions are, they might not work out as planned. What works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you, as everyone’s needs and bodies are unique. Your fitness and diet plans should match your individual needs.
If you’ve just started exercising again after a while, a little soreness is normal and isn’t something to worry about. However, it’s important to recognize the difference between normal muscle soreness and something more serious. Soreness should be felt in the muscles, not the joints. Joint pain might suggest too much strain, and that’s when you should pause and consult a coach or therapist.
If you’re lifting weights and they suddenly feel much heavier than before, you may need to ease back into it. Also, if you’re exhausted and struggling with everyday activities like getting out of bed, you might be overdoing it and should reconsider your workout intensity.
Success with a diet depends on many things, like your medical history, culture, likes and dislikes, social situation, job, and where you live. Dietary advice needs to be personalized. Just because someone else has thrived on a particular diet doesn’t mean it’s the best for you. If you’re feeling fatigued with your new diet, it might not be the right fit. Spending all your time thinking about food or losing weight too quickly could also be signs that your diet isn’t healthy or sustainable.
If you experience any new digestive issues or symptoms like dehydration, headaches, or nausea from dieting, it might be time to adjust your approach. Getting help from experts like a registered dietitian or a personal trainer can guide you toward healthier changes. They can provide professional advice to ensure you’re on the right track.
It’s crucial to listen to your body and recognize when something isn’t working. If your current plan isn’t effective, it doesn’t mean you should abandon your goals; you might just need a different path to achieve them. Remember to be patient with yourself and consider re-evaluating your plans for a healthier approach.
If your resolutions are working for you, sticking with them requires consistency. Research shows it can take weeks or even months for new habits to take root. Frequent reminders of your goals can help. Keep things like your running shoes visible, or lay out your workout clothes the night before to reinforce new habits.
Connecting with people who have already made similar lifestyle changes can be beneficial. They can offer guidance and support as you work toward developing new habits.
No matter if you’re reevaluating your resolutions or committed to the ones you’ve already set, the key is to keep going. It’s okay to have setbacks as long as you pick yourself up again.
