Newspaper Page Text
Overcoming
New Year's
Resolution
Hurdles
Many Americans start the New Year
resolved to be better, thinner, healthier, stronger —
and then find those resolutions almost impossible to
keep. Day-to-day obstacles get in the way of good
intentions, and we quickly give up.
The best was' to stick to our resolutions is to anticipare
hurdles that make it difficult to maintain them. Below
are some tips to overcome everyday obstacles and "refresh
ers" to stay on the path to good health all year long.
Resolution: To eat healthier and lose weight
Hurdle I: Holidays and Special Occasions.
From Super Bowl party goodies to Valentines Day
chocolates, the calendar gives us reasons to eat, even if
the scales say otherwise.
Tips: Plan in advance what you’ll eat on special occa
sions, and come up with alternative ways to celebrate.
Instead of chocolates, ask your sweetie for your favorite
flowers. If planning to partake in a calorie-laden event,
reduce your intake earlier in the week.
Hurdle 2: Weight-Loss Plateau. After initial
success, you aren't losing more pounds, so why bother-'
Tips: You may have lost enough weight to maintain
it with your current calonc intake. Cut back again to
restart the losing streak—or better yet, accelerate your
results by exercising more.
Hurdle 3: Sabotage. From neighborhood children
selling Girl Scout cookies to Grandma and her deli
cious mashed potatoes, well-meaning diet saboteurs
are everywhere.
Tips: Build a cheerieading squad. Tell your most
supportive friends, co-workers or family members about
your efforts, then call on them for distraction when
temptation strikes.
Refreshers: Forget dieting and concentrate on good
nutrition. Don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat.
Find low-calone versions of your favorite foods, or eat
half a serving. Celebrate milestones—like losing 5
pounds—with a non-food treat, such as a new hairstyle
to show off your slimmer face!
Resolution: To stop smoking
Hurdle I: Nicotine Withdrawal. Nicotine is an
addictive drug, so you'll likely experience withdrawal
symptoms, such as irritability, loss of concentration and
problems sleeping.
by MARY
DIXON
LEBEAU
Medabakery
Tips: Try a new hobby or exercise to distract
yourself. If necessary, consult with a physician
about medications that can help ease your discom
fort, or try over-the-counter nicotine replacement
products such as patches, gum and lozenges.
Hurdle 2: Weight Gain. Many people gain some
weight (usually under 10 pounds) when they stop
smoking, and this is no time for dieting!
Tip: Get moving! If you’ve considered beginning an
exercise routine, now’s the perfect time to start.
Hurdle 3: Alcohol. Drinking often increases the
desire to smoke.
Tips: Drink in moderation, and only in “non-smok
ing" environments. Better yet, volunteer to be the
designated driver for the upcoming month.
Refreshers: Recognize daily routines that trig
ger smoking, such as coffee breaks or watching
television, and avoid them. Cut back on caf
feine, and drink more water and juice to reduce
cravings. Remember that more than 46 million
Americans have kicked the habit successfully, and
you can too!
Resolution: To start an exercise routine
Hurdle I: Inclement Weather. You love the
idea of running cm a spring morning, but the realities
ot wind, rain and snow have you reluctant to venture
outdoors—and even lazilv lounging in bed.
Tips: "Weatherproof' your routine by plan
ning indoor alternatives such as an aerobics video
or using exercise equipment. Equipment doesn’t
have to cost a lot. Buy a jump rope and an egg
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timer and try to jump a little longer every day. Or
join a fitness center and sign up for a class.
Hurdle 2: Childcare. If you have little ones, both
you and your exercise routine may become dependent
on sitters.
Tip: Try involving your children in your workouts.
An hour of biking, playing tag or dancing to the oklies
is a fun—and fit—way to share some quality time.
Hurdle 3: Busy Schedules. Sure, when you
started, you made exercise a top priority. But as weeks
pass, responsibilities involving work, family and social
commitments, and even your favorite TV show, can
muscle out time for workouts.
Tip: Making time for exercise must remain a top pri
ority. However, when focused workouts are impossible,
include more physical activity in your daily routine.
Walk your dog, park the car far from the entrance, take
the stairs instead of the elevator or march in place while
watching that TV show you don’t want to miss.
Refreshers: Face it. There’s a reason it’s called an
exercise “routine." Some mornings, your regular work
out is just too tedious to face. So force yourself to mix
it up. That can be as easy as switching from a Tao Bo
to a pilares workout video, or it might require trading
your running shoes for a tennis racket. And don’t go
it alone. Exercise is a great wav to socialize, so invite
your friends to come along for a hike!
Mary Dixon Lelstau is a writer in Woodbury. NJ.
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