Now that we are well into the New Year, those resolutions we so strongly made at the beginning of January are beginning to lose steam.

Really, resolutions like eating healthy and exercising should be more than promises we make to ourselves at the start of every year. Those pledges should be a commitment to a new lifestyle, not just something we talk about two months out of the year.

Here are a few easy steps I recommend to my patients to help turn those resolutions into new, permanent ways of thinking:

Eat Healthier

The biggest mistake you can make is setting vague goals or not coming up with an actionable plan on how to achieve your goals. Consider these simple ways to make your healthy eating resolution a reality:

1. Pack a healthy lunch. Avoid the take-out temptation by making healthy lunches the night before work. Have healthy, filling food and snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
2. Go for 5. Add an extra serving of fruits or vegetables to meals and snacks to easily get five servings of fruits and veggies every day.
3. Drink more water. Staying hydrated is an easy way to feel full and get healthy. How much water you should drink depends on several factors, including your weight and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to drink approximately eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
4. Plan meals and snacks. Spend time planning meals for the week before you go to the grocery store. That includes packed lunches and snacks. You’ll find it’s harder to go off your plan once your fridge and pantry are full of healthy choices.

Burn More Calories

It’s easy to lose focus without a plan. I often find myself sharing these tips with patients who are frustrated with exercise:

1. Go for 30. Exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This may seem like a big commitment, but it doesn’t have to be. Break activities up throughout the day or make simple changes to your daily routine. Park a little farther away from the door or take the stairs instead of the elevator. This will make it easier to reach your goal.
2. Try something new. Resolve to try a new activity you’ve always wanted to do. Ask a friend to join you for Zumba or meet up with someone at a new park to walk the trails.
3. Make a plan. Spend some time thinking about what you want to do every day in the upcoming week. Once you’ve come up with a plan that fits your schedule for the week, write it down in your calendar.
4. Track your progress. A simple checkmark next to your scheduled workout for the day can go a long way in providing the motivation you need to stay the course.

Most importantly, remember you don’t have to go at New Year’s resolutions alone. Invite a friend or family member to join you during activities, join a gym or visit GetHealthyLiveWell.org.

West Carroll Family Healthcare, a Tanner Medical Group practice, is located in Bowdon. For more information, call 770-258-5424 or visit WCarrollFamilyHealthcare.org.