New spin on weight loss resolution

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Weight loss is consistently one of the most common New Year’s resolutions people make, and as we’ve heard time and time again, the majority of resolutions are abandoned by February.

Aldon Tibbs, a personal trainer at Bodies by Burgoon in Minneapolis, shares helpful New Year’s resolution alternatives to weight loss that will still help make you feel and look healthier and stronger.

Instead of making general weight loss your resolution this year, or hitting a specific number on the scale, consider these alternatives:

1. Clean out your fridge and pantry in January.
   1. Weight loss results take a long time, which is why people often lose motivation. This is a step you can take right away to kick off the year and give you a sense of accomplishment.
   2. Get rid of the snacks that you default to when you get home hungry from work like chips to make room for healthier options.
   3. When your fridge and pantry are more organized, you’re better able to see your options.
2. Take a 10-minute walk every day.
   1. Walking is one of the best things you can do for your body.
   2. In the winter months in Minnesota, it can be daunting to walk outside. Bring your shoes to work and walk the hallways or skyways. If you live in an apartment, walk the halls there. There are always options if you’re willing to look for them!
   3. Getting out and going for a walk will also help give you more energy when you’re feeling tired or sluggish.
3. Put vegetables on your plate for at least one meal every single day.
   1. “Eating healthier” is a very vague fitness goal so it’s helpful to turn it into something more specific.
   2. Increasing your intake of whole foods, and vegetables in particular, is essential to weight loss.
   3. It could be helpful to create a calendar for yourself where you indicate if you’ve eaten vegetables that day and if you’ve taken your 10-minute walk. This will help with accountability.
4. Set a strength-related goal for yourself.
   1. Examples of this could be: Do 10 squats in a row, do one push up, hold a plank for 30 seconds
   2. These specific goals are something that you can work toward every day and see your progress, which will help motivate you.

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