Five ways to make your resolutions reachable

January 8 — PROVO — Why is it so easy to make New Year’s resolutions but so hard to keep them? Mindy Probst, RD, outpatient dietitian at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, said it’s likely because of the way people make their resolutions.

“Usually, the resolutions are not specific enough, not realistic, and aren’t measurable, which makes them almost impossible to keep,” said Probst. To help with this problem, here are five common resolution mistakes – and ways to fix them:

1.    “Eat healthier.” “This goal is too ambiguous,” Probst said. “Tweak this goal by focusing on specifics that make your diet healthier or make you more fit. Maybe you want to increase the number of vegetables you eat daily or reduce the frequency of eating out. It’s much easier to have a specific goal to work on so you can measure it.”
2.    “I’ll lose 60 pounds this year.” Probst said there are a couple problems with this goal. “First, this resolution is too long-term. Sixty pounds may take a year or longer to lose and you may get discouraged. Instead, choose a smaller, short-term weight loss goal. I recommend working in increments of 5 pounds. Second, this goal focuses too much on an outcome instead of a behavior.”
3.    “I’ll cut out sugar.” Anytime you make an ultimatum, you set yourself up to fail. “Elimination diets lead to feelings of deprivation and often lead to overeating or bingeing,” said Probst. “Instead, identify what high-sugar foods you’re consuming and think of ways you can realistically reduce your intake.”
4.    “I’m joining the gym.” “Almost everyone has been in the situation where they joined the gym, went a few times in January and never went again,” Probst said. “Most people say lack of time is the number one reason they don’t exercise, so focus on short bursts of physical activity instead of gym classes. If the gym is something you really want to do, get a buddy, set up a schedule and stick to it.”
5.    “I always forget my resolutions anyway, so why bother?” “The absolute worst thing people do with their New Year’s resolutions is not following through. I recommend evaluating monthly,” Probst said. Posting resolutions on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror as well as telling your friends about your goals are great ways to help you be accountable for them.