5 Resolutions to make in 2017 and none is “go on a diet”

Weight loss or diet resolutions are arguably made more often than any other New Year’s resolution.

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It’s a perfect time to both remove any excess weight gained during the holiday season as well as any extra pounds gained throughout the rest of the year and previous years.

Starting a diet out of desperation or self-disgust...

Starting a diet out of desperation or self-disgust…

Rarely results in a happy ending

Rarely results in a happy ending

 

Diets are the number one resolution made and they’re the number one resolution broken too.

Resolutions to lose weight are often dead, but not forgotten, by the middle of January. That wouldn’t be a bad thing but the problem is that the diet is over but the guilt and self-flagellation for failing never stops.

Guilt and negative thoughts about your body, your weight, and your failure (again) to get fit by losing weight are self-defeating. They take away motivation because they reinforce everything that makes you think you’ll never get fit. They spill over into more aspects of your life than most of us are aware.

That’s why I think nobody should resolve to lose weight or go on a diet in 2017. It’s a negative, vague and proven to end with disappointing results.

I am offering positive resolutions that will make you feel good, fit, and strong both physically and mentally. Although this sounds cliché, they could change your life.

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In 2017 I resolve to

1. Love my food

When the time is right for a little indulgence be sure it's something really special.

When the time is right for a little indulgence be sure it’s something really special.

2. Sit less

  • Stand up and move for 5 minutes after a straight hour of sitting whenever possible (it’s possible more often than you think)
  • Stand instead of sitting whenever possible (it’s possible more often than you think)
  • Walk instead of standing whenever possible (it’s possible more often than you think)
Watch TV standing up

Watch TV standing up

3. Enjoy active play everyday for 30 minutes or longer

  • Do something that makes large muscle groups move in a repetitive way. Dance, run around with kids and/or dogs, roller skate, ski, swim, paddle a kayak, row a boat, just pick an activity or many activities and take time to enjoy one every day.
It feels like fun but don't underestimate the importance of daily playtime.

It feels like fun but don’t underestimate the importance of daily playtime.

4. (the most important one of all) Treat myself as though I was a treasured friend and the most important person in my life

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5. Expect to make mistakes and keep going

  • I’ll correct my mistake and keep moving towards my goal. (What do I do when you are going somewhere and I make a wrong turn? Do I correct the mistake to get to my destination or just go home?)

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Jackie Conn

About Jackie Conn

Jackie Conn is married and has four grown daughters and four grandchildren. She is a Weight Watchers success story. She's a weight loss expert with 25 years of experience guiding women and men to their weight-related goals. Her articles on weight management have been published in health, family and women's magazines. She has been a regular guest on Channel 5 WABI news, FOX network morning program Good Day Maine and 207 on WCSH.