If following a healthier lifestyle is part of your New Year resolutions, then you are not alone. A few of my friends, including myself, have decided to up our healthier lifestyle goals this year. But sometimes it’s easier said than done because sticking to those New Year resolutions can be a pain.

So I approached the experts at the New Atkins Lifestyle to give us pointers on how to stick to those pain in the ass New Year resolutions and goals. And truth be told, these nice folks have actually identified a few primary roadblocks to a healthier lifestyle, which include lack of will power, unhealthy eating habits, and procrastination (say what?).

Loss of Momentum

Healthier Lifestyle 5 Ways to Stick to Your New Year Resolutions — Linda O’Byrne – The New Atkins Lifestyle nutritionist

Just like everyone else who has a history of making New Year resolutions, we start January with plenty of optimism, but sometimes, as the year progresses, we lose momentum along the way.

Since we can’t have the entire team of experts at the New Atkins Lifestyle helping us (because we’ll never hear the end of it), the one and only Linda O’Byrne – The New Atkins Lifestyle nutritionist, took the lead on the matter, including helping us understand how after January, people find themselves falling back into the same old routine, known as the ‘comfort zone.

She also notes that transformations don’t happen by completely eliminating bad habits overnight but rather with dealing with them as if they are real problems. “This can happen by tracing back the causes and triggers and finding feasible and realistic solutions.”

Make 2017 the Best Year for your Body and your Life by Achieving a Healthier Lifestyle

Set S.M.A.R.T. New Year Resolutions

‘Get fit’ may be one of the most popular New Year resolutions out there. To achieve this goal, make sure your ‘Get Fit’ resolution is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Here’s an example: “I want to lose 10 kgs in three months by following The New Atkins Lifestyle. I will track my progress by weighing myself and taking my measurements.’

Focus on the Process

As you follow your low-carb nutrition plan (if that’s what you have in mind), remember that getting fit is a process and that hitting your goals will not happen instantly. Whenever you get frustrated or impatient, remind yourself that by sticking to your goals, you will see positive results in the long run.

Plan ahead and Stick to a Schedule

Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time is an effective way to ensure that you stick to your dietary plan. Additionally, it’s a good idea to follow a similar meal schedule every day to help your body adjust to your nutritional needs.

Reward small accomplishments

Don’t wait until you reach your ultimate goal to celebrate and reward yourself! Rewarding small accomplishments along the way is good enough. Whether it’s getting through Phase 1 or cooking a new favorite recipe, this will help keep you motivated and feeling good about your healthier lifestyle.

Don’t give up

Even if you’ve piled on some holiday pounds (like yours truly), don’t use that as an excuse to give up on Atkins or any other diet plan. Having a diet plan geared towards a healthier lifestyle should not be a quick-fix diet, but a lifestyle. It is a programme that will be with you through thick and thin, literally.

Transformations Towards a Healthier Lifestyle

According to Linda, transformation is not easy. It requires certain tools and a positive mindset to fight bad habits and that inner voice constantly convincing you to resist change. The reasons pulling you back before you reach the summit are where your power and determination come from, making you fight harder and stronger towards your goals. So smack that little evil voice and focus on your goals (that’s just me saying).

Here’s to following our New Year resolutions and crossing our fingers that we actually reach June whilst still sticking to them.

And if you are interested in catching up with the four phases and guidance on the new ‘Atkins Nutritional Approach’ and products you can check out Atkins Menu for more details.

Good luck with your healthier lifestyle New Year resolutions and feel free to share your thoughts below.

xoxo