Nutritionist tips for making New Year’s resolutions a reality

ORLANDO, Fla. –A new year, for many, means new goals to strive towards. Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions center on losing weight and eating better. In the fast-paced world on which we live, when it comes to weight loss and weight control, people want immediate results.

Emily Brantley, registered dietitian nutritionist at AdventHealth, urges people to set realistic and attainable goals for the New Year. “One of the reasons why people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them or consider them as believable or attainable.”

If your goal is to have a better nutrition in the New Year, Brantley shared some ideas to get started:

• Eat a variety of foods. A balanced diet includes a wide variety of protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and healthy fats. Choose different foods from each group to increase the nutrients in your diet.
• Plan ahead. Knowing what food you need to purchase and how to work around your schedule will make it easier to stick to your plan. Be realistic about choosing recipes and activities that are convenient for you.
• Drink water. Water is essential for sustenance; even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically so drink plenty of water.
• Choose healthy habits you actually enjoy. Make a list of the food you like to eat and exercise that you like to do. You will be able to achieve your resolution if it includes foods and activities that are enjoyable to you.

Brantley emphasized that while there are basic nutrients that everyone needs, the specific amounts and combinations of foods are unique to each person. “Any diet or eating plan that stresses a particular food over all others or on the other hand removes a particular food or food group entirely should raise a red flag,” said Brantley. “The principles of healthy eating and good nutrition is balance, variety and moderation.”

A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you to develop a plan that helps your body achieve optimal nutrition.

“It is important to make gradual changes to your nutrition,” said Brantley. “If you make drastic changes all at once, you are far less likely to stick with your resolutions.”

To learn more about ways to achieve your 2023 goals, visit CREATION Life | AdventHealth.