The New Year’s Resolution Debate

By Joanne Gardner, MS, RDN, LDN

Is it your tradition to resolve to change some habit as you head into the New Year? Some people abandon the idea to make a resolution because of the risk of failure. However, in order to grow and confront some unpleasant situation or habit we need to clearly express that intention.  If you don’t even initiate the desire to change, the change won’t happen. Consider the power of mindful awareness and use that power to set an intention to initiate health supportive and life enhancing changes.

Reflect on the Wheel of Health. What area do you need to further develop? If you want to target food, nutrition and/or exercise there are many approaches to transformation.  Will you dedicate 10 days to avoid all sugar and processed foods? Will you expand your weekly exercise routine? Will you try some different vegetable or make a weekly pot of nourishing soup? Perhaps you will create a list of simple meals and recruit family helpers for each dinner.

You don’t need to go it alone. Invite a loved one or friend to collaborate. Join a fitness or health challenge to track your exercise and garner the power of group effort.  Peruse health magazines, Pinterest and web sites for dinner ideas or inspiration and to cement your resolve.

New Year’s “intentions for change” don’t need to be huge. They can be subtle modifications. Use your technology to support you. Set calendar alerts or reminders.  Consider a small reward if you stick with it for 10 days, 21 days, 30 days and 60 days. Celebrate your intention for health with a hearty winter salad like this.

Beet and Shrimp Winter Salad

Makes 2 servings

3 cups leafy greens, include some bitter greens like arugula, watercress, dandelion, radicchio or endive

1 cup cooked, sliced beets (or substitute sweet potato)

1 cup raw finely sliced vegetables such as carrots, cabbage or fennel

4 ounces cooked shrimp (or substitute another cooked fish)

½ cup cooked white beans, if canned, drain and rinse

1 TBS chopped walnuts or pecans

Dress with your favorite vinaigrette or splash with avocado oil and orange juice.