New Year’s resolutions are always set with
good intentions but some are harder to implement and sustain than others. Here
are some ideas and tips for setting reasonable, achievable and sustainable health
goals for 2018 and beyond.
Reasonable, Achievable, Sustainable Health Goals:
Healthy Weight & Exercise
Clean Eating
Sleep
Healthy
Weight & Exercise
Perhaps the two areas where most set unreasonable
and hence unattainable goals. The dream and desire to get back to that
pre-pregnancy or pre-wedding weight or going to the gym at 5am, 4 days per week
is admirable but is it doable or even healthy for you? Begin by taking a close look at your
personal and your family’s schedule.
Exercise: Based on your schedule, does exercise fit best on Mon/Wed/Fri or
Tues/Thur/Sat? Is morning, mid-day or early evening the best time for you (and
your schedule)? Aim for 3 days per week at a realistic time
of day, keeping in mind that a 5am or “bootcamp” workout may not be the ideal for
those suffering from adrenal fatigue.
Healthy
Weight: When it comes to weight loss, slow and
steady is key and weight loss goals should be realistic and achievable. One or
a few of the following strategies may be realistic and achievable for you: Monday to Friday menu planning, not eating
past 8pm, avoiding sugar, fasting overnight for 12hrs, Intermittent Fasting.
Monday to Friday Clean Eating
Another achievable and sustainable health
resolution is to eat clean, homemade, whole, “non-stressful” foods during the week.
Choosing to avoid gluten grains, sugar (including juice and pop), and highly
processed and fried foods Monday through Friday can have a tremendously
beneficial impact on weight, energy levels, sleep quality, productivity and
mood.
Sleep
Adults who are not sleeping at least 7.5
hrs per night are sleep-deprived. Without adequate, restful sleep, optimal
health (and weight) is simply not achievable. In order for our brain, nervous
system, immune system and detoxification organs to work optimally, the human body
requires 5 consecutive 90 min. sleep cycles. This means that for those who need
to get up at 6am, bedtime (lights out) should be no later than 10:30pm. While
this minimum of 7.5hrs of sleep is required on a daily basis, it may not be
achievable or sustainable for everyone based on work or family schedules. If
this is the case, consider practicing an earlier bedtime at least 3 days per
week (Sun/Tues/Thur) or every other day.
Talk to your ND about which New Year's health resolutions would be best for you for 2018!
Dr. Nadine Cyr N.D. has been working with children, moms and dads for nearly 20 years, helping them set and achieve realistic health goals for optimal health. She believes in setting her patients up for success by creating individualized treatment plans based on moderation and achievability.
To book an appointment with Dr. Cyr, please call the clinic at 905-940-2727
