Your 10-Step Plan To Getting New Year’s Resolutions Right! with Nour El Ganzoury

As always, we’re approaching the end of the year and things are starting to get away from us. The World Cup had taken its toll with all the gatherings and munching, the celebrations have kicked off, and between all the dessert and late night eating it feels like we’ve fallen off the wagon. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start plotting how we’ll regain control of our health journey, and get on a plan that is both sustainable for your lifestyle (whatever that looks like for you) and fun!

Here’s a little 10 step plan to make New Year’s resolutions feel achievable. And maybe then we’ll actually kickstart this coming year feeling healthy, rejuvenated and on track for our health goals!

• Plan ahead. Sounds simple because it is, but it’s also just one more thing many of us end up procrastinating. Etch out time in the evening when you’re winding down, and instead of binging another Netflix original, and start thinking ahead of the areas you want to hit in the new year. That way you aren’t feeling overwhelmed or under pressure when the clock strikes 12.
• Always have a plan b. It’s easy to beat ourselves up if things don’t go exactly according to plan. Putting together a plan b when your circumstances are less than ideal, can get us feeling psychologically prepared for hiccups and get rid of the demotivation that usually comes with them.
• Make food fun. When devising a food plan, make sure it includes all the foods that you actually do like so you have things to look forward to and keeps you motivated to follow through.
• Eat enough. Don’t starve yourself, small but frequent meals throughout the day help you curb your cravings and will stop your hunger pangs before they even hit you.
• Water water water. Hydration is so important. Finishing a small bottle as soon as you wake up will help flush out toxins and will get you that much closer to completing your daily intake.
• Out of sight. Out of mind. Get rid of unhealthy temptations around the house, without them it’s impossible not to avoid them. And if you’re eating out don’t beat yourself up and just enjoy it, or go for a healthier option (you’ll know).
• Healthy can taste great. Alternatives have become so much more abundant in supermarkets and small local brands. Stock up on snacks that fuel you, don’t spike your blood sugar levels and that actually taste good.
• Embrace your cravings. If you’re really craving something, have it. They key is moderation, the more you normalize having a treat with reasonable portion control, the less you’ll crave it eventually.
• Balance. Getting off track isn’t a crime. Just make sure to balance it out during your next meal, and get a little bit of movement in to ease digestion.
• You never regret the workout you DID do. So, try not to skip exercising and commit to even 15 minutes of daily movement. And there’s plenty of classes to follow at home if you can’t get to the gym.

Happy holidays everyone, and good luck!