Become the Best Version of You in 2017

You may have pictured it in your head numerous times- the best version of you. This could mean the healthiest version, the happiest version, the smoke-free version or the less-stressed version. Whatever your best version means, the following tips can help you reach your maximum potential in 2017.

1. Set Goals For Yourself, Rather Than Resolutions—Why? New Year’s Resolutions often are difficult and often fail by the end of January because change isn’t happening as quickly as the person would like due to the resolution being extremely difficult to achieve. Instead, set goals and realize that it may take you 6 months or a year to reach these goals. Most goals revolve around behavior change, which has been known to take time to achieve. Be specific when setting goals and make sure they are both realistic and attainable.

2. Balance Your Diet—Take a look at your daily food intake. Does it include fruits and vegetables? How about protein and fiber? Do you get at least 3 meals per day? If you need help determining whether your diet is both balanced and fulfilling, I would be happy to help (my contact info is listed below).

3. Water, Water, Water—Focus on making the majority of your daily beverage intake water. To help increase your water intake, carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go- the gym, work, shopping, road trips, etc. If you have water readily available, you are more likely to actually drink it. Make it a goal to drink a minimum of 60 ounces every single day. If you currently drink very little water, start with a goal of drinking 20 ounces a day. Once you have accomplished drinking 20 ounces every day, bump your goal up to 30 ounces and keep increasing the goal until you reach 60 ounces.

4. Relax, Renew and Refocus—Whether you like to listen to music, read, meditate or exercise, try to take time each day to give yourself a mental break. This mental break can help you refocus your time and perhaps make you more productive.

5. Move More—Start slowly and do something you enjoy; find an exercise routine that you LOVE. If you thoroughly enjoy the activity, you are more likely to continue doing it long-term. After about 3 weeks it will become a new healthy habit for you. Who knows, you may even get addicted to exercise (hey, it CAN happen J)

6. Give Yourself Some Attention—Make it a point to write down the things that make you happy.  Focusing on your happiness may inspire you to have a better outlook on life. Write your happy moments and thoughts on a sticky note and fill up a mason jar or other container of choice. Revisit these happy thoughts and moments as needed.

Small changes can lead to big changes over time! Be patient with yourself and take it one day at a time. If your goal for 2017 revolves around health, your West Lakes dietitians can help. Here is a list of some of the services we provide:

-Diabetes Prevention Program

-Diabetes Self-Management Education/Training

-Medical Nutrition Therapy/ Nutrition Education (for various healthy conditions including heart disease, diabetes, weight management, food allergies and others)

-A1c Testing

-Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing

-Biometric Screenings

-Begin Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Management Program

-Store Tours

-Simple Fix Freezer Meal Workshops

Call (515-223-7389) or email (adevereaux@hy-vee.com) me if you have questions about these services or would like to set-up an appointment.

Cheers to your health in 2017!

-Dietitian Amanda