5 New Year’s Resolutions That Are Dietitian-Approved

Happy New Year! I’m sure, like me, a part of you desperately wished that 2021 would be very different than 2020. There’s still hope that it will be, but for now, January will be spent (mostly) indoors and 6 ft away from non-household members.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, I hope you took some time to reflect and think about what you wanted 2021 to look like. New year’s resolutions are notorious for that “New year, new me” attitude, which can be a bit unrealistic. Instead, I hope to give you some practical resolutions that are more feasible and won’t be forgotten by the time Spring comes around.

1. Continue or discover a physical activity that you enjoy

When you think about your workout routine, do you feel excited or do you dread it? I find that the key to keeping up with our physical activity is to find something that you actually enjoy doing. This could be a walk outside, going for a jog around the neighbourhood, or simply following a TikTok dance. 

We all know that working out and exercising is good for our health, but many struggle with consistency, me included. If you aren't enjoying the physical activity you are currently doing, maybe it's time to find a new one. Even if that means a light jog on the spot while you watch your favourite TV show, then so be it. Some activity is better than no activity.

2. Drink more water

Many people do not drink enough water on a regular basis. Do you think you’re getting enough? A good way to check is by the colour of your urine. You want to aim for light yellow, which means that your body is properly hydrated. If you find your urine to be on the darker side, it’s a good indication that you’re not drinking enough fluids throughout the day. 

A good goal is 6-8 cups per day, but it doesn’t have to be just water. Although water is the preferred choice, other drinks and fluids you have during the day count towards your daily intake as well. It is also possible that your fluid needs may exceed the 6-8 cups per day.

If you find it challenging to remember to drink, here are a few tricks you can try:

• Use a clear or translucent water bottle so you can track how much you drank or need to drink

• Fill up your water bottle (all the way!) at the start of your day and try to finish its entirety throughout the day

• Set one or multiple alarms throughout the day as a reminder

• Place your water bottle at your workstation as a prompt

• If you’re working from home, feel free to use your favourite mug and refill it multiple times a day as a break

3. Be selective on who you follow on social media

If you’re a regular social media consumer, it is likely that you follow people who inspire you, either friends or public figures. Despite the benefits of online networking and social connections, social media can also be harmful by promoting unrealistic body images and lifestyles.

If you find that you’re constantly comparing yourself to others through these images, it might be time to step back and reflect on those feelings. Perhaps it is time to unfollow people who are negatively impacting you, especially if they’re promoting unhealthy and unrealistic messages.

4. Eat the dang cookie

A lot of clients of mine are conscious about having treats and they often ask how they can curb their cravings. I mentioned this in a previous post, but trying to curb your craving is likely going to backfire. Having cravings is normal and because I personally have a sweet tooth, I often have a stash of chocolates and cookies in my pantry for when the cravings strike. 

Does this mean I’m encouraging people to eat more cookies this year? Not quite. It’s about having a mindset that eating a cookie won’t set you back on your health goals, or that having an extra serving at dinner doesn’t mean you need to do another workout. If you’re craving a cookie, you can have the cookie without justifying it by eating less or exercising more. 

I acknowledge that developing this mindset will take some time and training, but it’s possible to get there. If this resonates with you, I suggest working with a dietitian so you can improve on your relationship with food.

5. Be kind to yourself

It sounds obvious and cheesy, but I’m sure we can all work on this some more, especially after the year we’ve just had. One way to practice this is to keep a gratitude journal. It could be daily, weekly, or monthly. List out all the things you’re grateful for at that particular time and read your previous entries when you’re feeling down. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others if you want someone to talk to.

While we may not know what awaits us in 2021, we can make some goals around a healthier body and mind. I hope you were able to get some ideas on what resolutions to make this year. If you’re comfortable sharing, let us know what goals you made for 2021 on our Instagram or Facebook page. Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year and sending virtual hugs all around. 

By: Cheryl Ching, MSc, RD
Reviewed by: Pauline Bakowski, MHSc, RD & Kristie Pun, MHSc, RD

Disclaimer: Our blog content is for general education purposes and may not be suitable for individual health conditions. Please see your health professional or book an appointment with one of our dietitians for personalized health recommendations.