

Feb 16 2023
Healthier New You this Year


Summary
Don't fret if your resolutions have already fizzled out. It's never too late to start!
Now that the New Year is in full swing, it’s time to check in with your goals for this year. Maybe you've stayed committed and things are going well. But maybe your New Year's resolutions have already fizzled out.
It is never too late to start working toward a healthier you! In fact, you can start anytime, not just when a new year or a new week starts. Creating healthy habits and goals to nourish your body is a great place to start.
To maintain healthy habits, try focusing on one area at a time. Starting with one small change is less overwhelming than tackling large resolutions or commitments. So, start small! Maybe start by ADDING, rather than cutting out. ADD IN more vegetables or water. Adding in a healthy habit automatically reduces room for less healthy habits like soda or junk food.
Focusing on one small goal can make a huge difference for your future. Don’t allow past failures hold you back; instead, find new ways to meet your goals. For example, creating one weekly challenge to commit to is less overwhelming than setting big goals like losing 20 pounds or more. Also, focus more on how the behavior change makes you “feel” rather than the numbers on a scale. This can help prevent discouragement and keep the momentum going... which leads to greater long-term success.
Once you believe in yourself and create goals that work for you, a new you will come along.
Small changes to try for a healthier you:
- Eat more mindfully. Pay attention without distractions while eating meals and snacks.
- Add more fruits and veggies. Replace a current component of a meal or snack with produce.
- Eat from home more oven. Eating out at restaurants often can add extra hidden calories, fat, sodium and even sugar.
- Watch portions. Use your hand as a guide to portion sizes personalized for you!
- Drink more water. Add in an extra glass until you reach the recommended 64 ounces per day.
- Limit sugary beverages and treats. Incorporate these a few times per week rather than daily.
- Increase activity. Add more steps throughout your day by parking farther away, using the stairs or starting a new exercise.
The key to incorporating healthy habits into your everyday routine is taking it slow and steady. Start small and build from one healthy habit to another for a healthier new you this year!


Emily Littlejohn, MS, RD, LD
Emily Littlejohn, MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian with NMMC’s Population Health Department. Emily holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food and nutrition services from the University of Mississippi. She offers nutrition counseling by appointment at the NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo. Call (662) 377-7803 for more information.
Nutrition plays a key role in health, healing and living a well-balanced life. Whether you need support for special dietary concerns or simply want to eat more healthfully, we can help.
Call (662) 377-7803 to request nutrition counseling.

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