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Take
some simple steps to support your resolutions
Jan 03, 2008
Suzanne Havala Hobbs
Chances
are good that you’re considering at least one diet or
fitness-related resolution for the New Year. And pumped as
many of us are about a fresh start, you may doubt your ability
to make good on this year’s promises.
Why do so many diet and health resolutions fail?
For most of us, our resolve is no match for other forces at
least partly to blame for sapping our willpower. Many of these
factors relate to physical and social conditions in our environments.
Some examples:
* Sedentary jobs. The extent of my own physical exertion at
the office includes opening and closing my door, typing and
picking up the phone. Considering that many of us spend at
least half of our waking hours in a nearly motionless state,
there isn’t much time left in which to be physically
active and also accomplish other tasks of daily life.
* Dependence on cars. Do you walk or ride your bike to work?
I know a few lucky folks who do, but most of us rely on cars
to get us where we need to go each day. We drive everywhere
– to the grocery store, movie theater and post office.
Our bodies don’t burn much fuel in a typical day.
* Fast-food culture. We’ve come to rely on processed
foods and eating out to trim time off meal preparation. That’s
a costly habit, both in dollars – we spend 40 percent
of our food budget on meals away from home – and because
it nearly guarantees excessive calorie intakes. We are bombarded
with opportunities to drive through and drive away with a
load of calories, saturated and trans fats and sodium. From
grocery stores, cheesy, gooey pizza, casseroles, pot pies
and processed meats pass for “homemade” when they’re
heated in the oven at home.
* Messages that say “eat more.” Advertising that
targets both kids and adults encourages us to eat more food,
more often. Ads appear on school lunch room walls, in movies
and magazines, on TV, on clothing – they’re everywhere.
Just about every activity we engage in for entertainment is
paired with opportunities to eat. Even kids’ sports
activities – ballgames, swim meets – include snacks
and drinks.
* Few safe places to walk, play and ride bikes. Many communities
lack sidewalks, bike paths and playgrounds where families
can walk and kids can run, tumble and play on strength-building
equipment with their friends.
How can you boost your willpower to help overcome these barriers
to your New Year’s good intentions? A few suggestions:
* Organize support at work. Use your lunch hour to walk with
friends. Start a discussion in your office about ground rules
for parties and other food events. Get fatty foods –
such as donuts, cookies and fast food – out and replace
them with more fruit, veggies and salads.
* Get involved in your community. Become an advocate for bike
paths and walking trails, parks and community gardens. Attend
meetings of your city or town council and support clubs and
associations working to build active living communities.
* Stock your home with staples for quick meals. Whole wheat
pasta, canned beans, rice and frozen vegetables are good starts.
Learn to cook, especially easy meals you can make at home
without a recipe.
* Supply your own meals and snacks from home. You’ll
have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes.
Pack leftovers from last night’s dinner for lunch and
take fresh fruit instead of chips and other processed snacks.
* Opt out. Remove yourself from situations that are threats
to your resolve. Skip the office party and limit time in front
of the TV.
Remember: Your willpower alone may not be enough. Be aware
of the barriers in your environment that stand in the way
of your health goals and work out strategies to overcome them.
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