New Year’s Eve is filled with hopeful thoughts for the year ahead and lists of resolutions for a healthierlifestyle. The most common goals are related to weight loss, and are often overlooked after several weeks.
Dr. Stephan Kamholz, Chair of the Department of Medicine at Maimonides, offers tips to help you reach your goals in 2018 and make those resolutions stick.
“It’s important to set reasonable goals to make your success easier to achieve,” explains Dr. Kamholz. “Don’t try to make too many changes at once— set small, incremental goals within a larger goal.”
During the winter months, many of us reduce physical activity, spend more time indoors and pay less attention to healthy eating. For most people, it only takes a few minor changes to improve overall health and wellness. Dr. Kamholz suggests the following to reach your goals in the new year:
- Incorporate fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your meals. Try new grains like quinoa or barley, or experiment with a new recipe using familiar whole grains. Fill your dish with colorful produce to get important vitamins and minerals. Don’t focus on foods you have to give up.
- Go for a walk regularly.You will reduce stress, strengthen your immune system and increase your overall energy. You can increase activity by walking instead of driving, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Increase your fluid intake.Drinking water helps flush wastes from the body, which is especially important for weight loss.
- Focus on making a lifestyle change instead of “dieting.”Dieting makes us feel deprived of foods we love. Every diet has a finish line, and with that end usually comes weight gain. Creating healthy eating habits leads to a long-lasting lifestyle transformation.
“A great way to improve your chances for success is to encourage loved ones to join you in these simple lifestyle changes,” Dr. Kamholz notes. “Most people do better with the ‘buddy system’ and support from friends and family.”
If you have a health issue, Dr. Kamholz advises that you consult with your physician before embarking on any new weight loss regimen.
Maimonides Medical Center is nationally recognized for clinical excellence across all major specialties. Our accomplished physicians are known for innovation and strengthening our teaching and research programs. With 711 beds, the Medical Center is dedicated to bringing patients the most advanced care available — anywhere. Maimonides continues to grow in response to evolving models of care that better serve patients and families, and is an affiliate of Northwell Health. To learn more, please visit www.maimonidesmed.org.
