Ahh food. Most of us have a love/hate relationship with food. We love the taste and the social environment that comes together around food but we hate what many foods can do to our good health. When it comes to making changes in a new year, it’s easy to target food. What’s not easy is winning the battle between food and willpower and making your resolution stick.
Breaking down a resolution into bite-sized steps (yes, pun intended!) can make your diet goal more palatable (yes, pun intended again!).
First and foremost, be realistic and set sustainable targets, such as adding in more vegetables to your diet.
Look at your diet-based resolutions as a focus on good nutrition rather than a focus on weight loss. Good nutrition is important for good health and that’s what’s most important, not just fitting into your favorite bathing suit.
Be patient with the journey. This is a lifestyle change, one you intend to cement for a lifetime. If losing weight is your goal, losing it in a slow deliberate manner typically yields longer lasting results.
Seek out activities you actually enjoy. If exercise is fun, you’ll stick with it. And if you incorporate activities in your day, you’ll reap the benefits of a boost in metabolism, mood and energy levels.
Make your health goals bite-sized by setting monthly targets rather than yearly targets. Setting a goal of losing four pounds a month is easier than saying you are going to lose 48 pounds
this year.
Celebrate the little successes. Curbing your sugar cravings is not easy; recognize the work you put in to swapping out the candy bowl for the fruit bowl.
Remember, all EWTF participants have access, at no additional cost, to Virta Health, our diet and lifestyle partner program. If you are serious about making diet and lifestyle changes this year, the professionals at Virta Health can help you. To learn more about Virta’s program and help make 2026 your healthiest year yet, visit www.virtahealth.com/join?employer_id=ewtf.