They say if you aim for the sky you may land on a star, but that isn’t the case when it comes to healthy resolutions. Here are a few of the most popular health/fitness related resolutions which people can never stick to. Sounds familiar? Here’s our list of the top 5 failed resolutions:
1.”No more carbs”
The irony of this resolution is that it’s mostly taken by people who are passionate about food. Restricting yourself completely is only going to make you crash and burn. One day, you may get frustrated and give in to your cravings and go on an extreme binge. Instead, why not set a reasonable resolution like “I will allow myself only one cheat day in a week”. This resolution is much easier to stick to.
2. “I’m going to hit the gym twice a day”
If you didn’t have the time to hit the gym twice a day this year, chances are you won’t have the time in the new year either. Let’s face it, on some days you may be too tired for a full fledged gym routine. You could aim to follow this resolution instead – “I will exercise at least once a day”. On days that you don’t have time to go to the gym, a 30 minute jog can surely suffice.
3. “This year is going to be vegan and gluten-free”
If you wish to make a drastic change in your diet for health reasons, don’t do it overnight. Your body is used to the nutrition it has been receiving all your life and a sudden change may adversely affect your health. Before taking steps like this, you must consult a nutritionist and get a proper diet plan so you don’t skimp on your nutrients. Not to mention the frustration you may face after you give up all your favourite foods. A more attainable and healthy resolution is “This year, I’m going to eat as healthy as I possibly can”.
4. “This year, I’m never skipping a meal again”
While this is a great resolution, it may not be very practical. There are going to be days when you may have to skip a meal due to a hectic schedule. A more practical and achievable resolution can be “This year, I’m going to balance out my meals”. If you know you have a long day ahead of you, have a nutrient-dense breakfast. This is a great way to ensure that, even if you skip lunch, your system is up and running.
5. “This year, I’m not going to touch alcohol”
If this is your resolution after an alcohol-infused night of partying on the 31st of December, it’s not a very reasonable one. If you are used to drinking, chances are you are not going to be able to stop overnight. A more realistic resolution would be “I’m going to limit my alcohol intake”. A glass of chardonnay once in a while is actually good for your health. Just like chocolate, wine has an array of health benefits (if, and only if, enjoyed in moderation).
6. “This year, I’m going to count my calorie intake in every meal”
Contrary to popular belief, calories are not as evil as you think. Yes, it’s important to read the fine print when you’re grocery shopping and yes, it’s equally important to make sure you balance your meals, but counting calories is not the answer. Why not try this resolution instead – “This year, I’m going limit my intake of unhealthy carbs”.
