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SECTION C ForsythLife Sunday, December 30,2012 HEALTH % i ■ U 7 * HIT fa 1 I* if \f , . Ml i *10" "few m tit * rfV • 1 ■ ■ T*. !■ 1 , r .4 : | f pm: ■ 4 - « /= 4 * r 1 » > v 4 5’ V- ■' t l' f ;V f ? ■ i ’ * U 'v CHU CIS MG t ?; ,1 ' IK t)II w; v. OfvllW' > I J. Photos for the Forsyth County News Lifestyle changes Resolve to shed pounds, bad habits with a plan By Alyssa LaRenzie alarenzie@forsythnews.com Another year, another resolution. The resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking or any num her of ambitions can be an uphill or short-lived battle. Studies have shown that about 80 percent of people will fail to keep that Jan. 1 promise to themselves, said Michael Sessions, a Forsyth County psychologist. “The odds are not good,” Sessions said. “It’s a testament to how power ful habits are.” The upside is that the tradition of New Year’s resolutions gives people the opportunity for an “annual do-over” in a period of reflection, he said. “It’s a chance for everyone to look at. What was 1 doing this past year that I’m really not that happy about?’” he said. “You get another chance. >• for in 2013 Are you one to make New Year’s resolutions? If you do this every year, are you suc¬ cessful at achieving your goals? Because mine tend to be similar each year, you may assume that means I failed at said goals. I don’t think so. For example, every year involves some sort of weight loss/get-into-shape goal. It may seem that if I achieved that goal, why would it end up back on the list year after year? Here is why. For most women my age, losing weight and exercising is an ongoing Editor Kevin Atwill can be reached at editor@fbrsythnews.com or (770) 887-3126. ;A: mmmmm . 1%; ? •' . it * 4* > "} ! seS# ** vr" t maaxzsm&m „ „ HSHUBfis » ..... Filu photo Forsyth County boasts plenty of recreational opportunities for those looking to get in shape, like the recent Jingle Jog earlier this month, above. INSIDE Add financial health to list of resolutions. | 5C The most important keys in setting that goal are to make it realistic and meaningful, he said, Forsyth County-based life and health coach Carolyn Porter said a ADLEN ROBINSON Columnist process. Even when I lose 10 pounds, chances are it either creeps back over time, or 1 know I really needed to lose a few more pounds to begin with. It is just easier to keep adding it to the final draft of goals each year. This year 1 am being more specific with this goal, design- resolution needs to be a desire or intention that a person is making for him or herself and not others. it The first thing is to create the vision," Porter said. “Then, you have to keep it alive. ... If you don’t feel it, keep picturing it or envisioning it, you’re going to lose faith in it.” For example, she suggested some¬ one seeking to lose weight put a photo of himself at the desired goal ing a plan for me to exercise on certain days of the week, as well as a healthier meal plan. Next on my list is usually something to do with organiz¬ ing skills. Yes, I am a fairly organized person. Because of my love of cooking and all things food, my kitchen is by far my most organized room. So much so that if my husband unloads the dishes from the dishwash¬ er, I can usually tell immedi¬ ately because certain things are not put back in their des¬ ignated (by me) spot. See LOOKING 12C in a place to view each day. Keeping a continued desire toward reaching that goal combined with faith and perseverance will help someone succeed, Porter said. She added that keeping faith in a higher power, whatever a person believes, will help someone be patient. See CHANGES 12C . , 7 n yv, M For the Forsyth County News