Improving Your Health in 2022

The beginning of the new year marks the start of many new resolutions – often focused on health and wellness. According to Statista, the vast majority of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions resolve to exercise more or lose weight. However, by the end of each year, only 9% of them feel they have been successful in keeping their resolution.

How can you be one of the few who accomplish their New Year’s goal? Ryan Sheets, Cameron’s wellness coordinator, and Hailey Meert, Cameron’s registered dietitian nutritionist, have a few tips to help you develop your health and wellness goals and stick to them in 2022.

Make SMART Goals

Often, people set large goals at the beginning of their health and wellness efforts. While there is nothing wrong with being ambitious, it is important to be realistic. That’s why Hailey and Ryan recommend following the SMART format (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely) when creating your resolution.

Setting SMART goals shifts your thinking from a large goal that seems far away to something that is immediate and attainable. This format will provide a path to success by helping you set expectations and create a straightforward approach.

Find Your “Why”

Once you select your health and wellness goal, Ryan and Hailey suggest finding your “why,” or the driving factor behind your desire to improve. Are you looking to lose a few pounds to fit into those jeans you haven’t worn in a while? Do you want to be able to keep up with your grandchildren?

After you have your “why,” write it down or make a mental note of it. Think about your “why” every day, especially when your motivation is low. Focusing on the reason behind the hard work ahead will keep you driven even on the toughest days.

Easy Healthy Habits

Are you still looking for a 2022 resolution, or do you want to make your goal SMARTer? Below are some easy health and wellness habits that you can implement this year.

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables – Fruits and veggies add color, flavor, texture, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to your plate. Make it a daily goal to consume two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables.
• Try new fitness routines – Not everyone loves running and cardio, and that’s OK. Experiment with new exercises and equipment this year to find a few you love, which will keep you coming back.
• Fix healthy snacks – Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when they include a combination of foods. A great way to create a healthy snack is to choose from two or more of the MyPlate food groups. Examples include raw veggies with low-fat cottage cheese or hummus, or a tablespoon of nut or seed butter with an apple or banana.
• Find an accountability partner – On days when you feel unmotivated, having a designated accountability partner can help you stay on track to meet your goals. By sharing the struggles and successes of your journey with someone else, you’ll have a steady source of support and advice.

“No matter what your goals are, it’s never too late to start,” Ryan said. “Finding your optimal health and wellness levels isn’t easy – it will take hard work, dedication, and discipline – but it is the most rewarding thing you can do to have a longer, happier and healthier life.”

For resources and support in achieving your health and wellness resolutions, visit www.cameronmch.com/services/dietitian-services.