Thinking ahead to 2015…

This week I made my new year’s resolution. Every year many of us come up with a resolution of sorts, often having to do with self control or discipline, that we want to try for the new year and beyond. Changes to what we eat and to our exercise patterns are very popular resolutions to make (and all the gyms capitalise on that)!{{more}}

I have found that as I get older, fewer people seem to want to commit to resolutions and say that it’s all a game, no one follows them anyway. I disagree, because I think it is important to at least THINK through what you would like to change/improve, and come up with a plan. Even if you do not succeed in following through all year, trying is worth something.

Now it’s not that I am an expert in keeping resolutions, not at all! But I do have some suggestions based on my own success at my attempts in the past as well as what was shared with me by patients and friends.

First, pick something truly achievable. Don’t pick something seemingly impossible. That goes against the THINK POSITIVE mantra of our generation but I do think it is important to set yourself up to succeed by choosing something challenging but not nearly impossible. Lose 100 pounds in 3 months? Not likely. Lose 50 pounds in 3 months? Maybe but likely not and not safely. Lose 15 pounds in 3 months? Totally doable, safe and reasonable.

Second, pick a goal that means something to you personally, not just a standard resolution. If losing weight is not at the top of your list then find what IS important to you. One year I resolved not to sit infront of my computer to eat my lunch. It turned out to be really hard because I tend to do work while I eat. But it was important for me to learn to take a break during the day, even if just 10 minutes during lunch.

Third, don’t give up as soon as someone else says something negative about your goals. There will always be naysayers. Don’t give up!

Until next week, stay safe and healthy Vincies

Anita Ramsetty, MD endodocs@endocrinehelp.com

Medical Director Endocrine Care Group

www.endocrinehelp.com

Tel: 843-798-4227