New Year Dieting Syndrome: Why we do it, why it's ineffective, and a mindset shift that would be better
Rethinking Diet-Focused New Year's Resolutions: Strategies for Sustainable Health Goals
As the holiday season approaches, it's common to indulge in festive delights, setting the stage for New Year's resolutions focused on diet and health. However, many find these resolutions challenging to maintain beyond January. Let's explore a more sustainable approach to setting health goals for the new year.
Rethinking Diet-Focused Resolutions:
Diet-focused resolutions often falter due to their ambitious nature, lack of flexibility, and negative framing. Instead of fixating on strict dietary changes, consider a more holistic approach to wellness.
Why the Rush for New Year's Resolutions?
The "fresh-start effect" associated with the new year prompts many to pursue health goals. However, waiting for a specific date to initiate change may undermine progress. Embrace the opportunity for improvement at any time.
Unhealthy Origins of Diet-Focused Goals:
Resolutions driven by societal pressures or guilt over past indulgence are often unsustainable. Shift your focus from restriction to empowerment and long-term well-being.
Setting Achievable Health Goals:
Flexibility is key to sustainable progress. Research suggests that flexible goals contribute to greater well-being and success. Embrace adaptability and resilience on your wellness journey.
Approach-Oriented Goals:
Focus on positive outcomes rather than avoidance. Goals centered on growth and improvement are more conducive to long-term success and fulfillment.
Enlisting Support:
Seeking assistance from friends, family, or professionals enhances accountability and motivation. A supportive network can significantly impact goal attainment.
Examples of Sustainable Health Goals:
Explore attainable lifestyle changes, such as mindful snacking, hydration practices, and mindful eating. Prioritize self-care and kindness as integral components of your wellness journey.
Conclusion:
Redefine your approach to health goals, emphasizing flexibility, positivity, and self-compassion. Sustainable progress is achieved through small, consistent steps taken with intention and kindness.
Ready to Make Sustainable Health Goals?
As a Clinical Nutritionist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Doctor of Preventive Medicine, I'm here to support your journey to optimal health. Contact me at [email protected] to explore personalized strategies for achieving your wellness goals or schedule a video call using the link below. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
References
(1) Oscarsson, M., Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., & Rozental, A. (2020). A large-scale experiment on New Year's resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PloS one, 15(12), e0234097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234097
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7725288/
(2) Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019, January). Re-thinking your New Year’s resolutions. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2013/12/20/re-thinking-your-new-years-resolutions/
(3) Dickson, J. M., Moberly, N. J., Preece, D., Dodd, A., & Huntley, C. D. (2021). Self-Regulatory Goal Motivational Processes in Sustained New Year Resolution Pursuit and Mental Wellbeing. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(6), 3084. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063084
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8002459/
(4) Pychyl, T. (2009, February 8). Approaching Success, Avoiding the Undesired: Does Goal Type Matter? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/dont-delay/200902/approaching-success-avoiding-the-undesired-does-goal-type-matter
(5) Canadian Mental Health Association. (2022, December 7). Rethinking your New Year’s resolutions. https://cmha.ca/news/rethinking-resolutions/
(6) Bradley, G. (n.d.). 7 New Year's Resolutions That Will Actually Make You Feel Good. National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/7-new-years-resolutions-will-actually-make-you-feel-good