What health achievements do you want to make in 2013?
If you have decided to make 2013 the year when you get on top of your health – the good news is we are feeling more positive about making our goals happen.
According to new research by Boots UK, the legacy of 2012 and the Olympics success is continuing to have a positive impact on our health and beauty outlook in 2013.
Donna Dawson, expert psychologist comments: “It is well known that a positive mindset is key to helping people achieve their personal ambitions and this is particularly true when it comes to people’s health and wellbeing. Being more positive can give people the inspiration they need to make their goals happen and help people lead a healthier lifestyle overall.”
The research also highlighted that as a nation we have an average of two health and beauty ambitions for the year ahead:
Top 5 health ambitions for 2013
- Being a healthy weight
- Eating more healthily
- Feeling more energised
- Improving work/life balance
- Cutting down or quitting smoking
Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers says: “The research shows that 55% of us are planning to lose weight, with 2013 identified as the year to lose weight and keep it off once and for all and nearly a fifth feel more positive about losing weight in 2013 than any other year.
For successful weight loss, here are some top tips to help you stay on track:
- Be realistic about your weight loss goal – set yourself lots of small milestones to work towards rather than one big end goal as this will help you to stay motivated
- As your weight can fluctuate daily, weigh yourself once a week at the same time of day, on the same day of the week and on the same scales and if possible try and wear the same clothes. Seeing that you have lost weight during the week will inspire you to keep going or motivate you for the week ahead
- Celebrate small successes – whether that’s losing a certain number of pounds or sticking to your exercise plan for the week – but avoid rewarding yourself with an unhealthy food-based treat that could undo all your hard work
- Finding the right support package for you is key – whether that is losing weight with a friend or colleague so you can encourage each other, or using a weight loss programme tailored to your needs. Boots pharmacists are on hand in stores nationwide if you need help with finding the weight loss plan that is right for you.
Vicky Pennington, Boots nutritionist says: “The research shows that 50% of us have being a healthy weight and eating more healthily as our top health priority for 2013.
There are lots of little steps you can take to make healthy eating part of your daily life:
- Re-size you diet with a better understanding of portion size. Use kitchen scales, measuring cups and spoons when cooking at home as well as smaller plates and glasses to help you consume less
- Eat protein at every meal as it can help you feel fuller for longer. Try and incorporate healthy proteins such as fish, lean meat, eggs, nuts, beans and lentils
- Try keeping a food diary – this will help you to see if you are snacking unnecessarily during the day and if you are eating balanced and healthy meals
- Re-stock your kitchen cupboards with healthy foods and snacks – removing the temptation of more fattening foods will help you to stay on track.
Share your health goals with us in the comments below and let us know how you're finding them.
Tagged in Healthy Body