Do you make New Year’s resolutions?

What is a resolution? A resolution is a promise. It is a promise that you make to yourself! It is a tradition for people to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. There are different kinds of resolutions.

One sort of resolution has to do only with oneself. You might decide to lose weight, to stop eating candy, to exercise more, or to watch less TV.

Chances are, at some time in your life you’ve made a resolution and then broke it.

This year stop the cycle and follow through.

Eat Healthier:

When eating habits need an overhaul, baby steps work best.

Making minor changes in your lifestyle is doable for most people.

Drink one glass of low-fat milk at breakfast or lunch.

Bring baby carrots or grape tomatoes to work for lunch every day.

Eat one vegetable (something green) at your evening meal.

Designate two &uot;fish days&uot; every week.

Decide your meal in advance, whether it’s a tuna sandwich or broiled salmon.

On paper, track your progress every day.

Note whether or not you’ve met your goals that day.

Also, note your weight and/or body measurements.

Tracking makes you more accountable for your actions. And you’re more likely to follow through.

Reduce Stress:

Try not to obsess over things you have no control over.

Listen to your body. When it says &uot;enough&uot;, it probably is. Remember, &uot;All things in moderation&uot;.

Too much of anything is usually not healthy.

Take time for yourself each day, even if it’s only a brief time.

Don’t lose sight of the big picture.

We often get overwhelmed by details that get blown out of proportion, even on a bad day.

Find something to be thankful for.

Do at least one fun (healthy) thing a day.

Also, as often as possible, get a good night’s sleep. Sufficient sleep has a powerful affect on emotional health and well-being.

Work on Health:

Regular checkups, exercise, relaxation, healthy eating, they all factor into good health.

Checkups are especially important as we get older.

Getting regular exercise in small increments provide significant heart benefits.

Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

You don’t have to use a fitness center. Get a pedometer and aim for 2 or 3 miles a day.

Exercise improves your mood, controls blood sugar, and is good for your heart and bones.

Keep healthy snacks available.

With a stash of healthy snacks, you’re less likely to raid the vending machines.

Stock up on favorites, such as yogurt, fruit or low-fat popcorn.

Also, bottled water helps you feel full and avoids &uot;dehydration headache&uot;.

Water also helps kidneys do their filtering work to rid your body of toxins.

For more information visit eatsmartmovemorenc.com or contact Susan Askew at the Hertford County Public Health Authority (358-7833