As majority of Americans get ready to give up on New Year’s Resolutions, Intermountain Health sports medicine experts have advice to stick with health goals
A large percentage of Americans have already given up on their New Year’s resolution to get healthier, and even more will quit sometime next month.
Losing weight and getting in shape are the most popular resolutions people make and often don’t keep. Experts at Intermountain Health say there are several ways people can do refocus their efforts and get back on track to hitting their goals.
“The biggest problem we see is people do too much at once and quitting because they’re overwhelmed by how much they’re doing,” said Jake Veigel, MD, Intermountain Health sports medicine physician. “By making a few changes and scaling back people will find it much easier to stick with habits that lead to lasting change.”
Dr. Veigel recommends reassessing your routine and cutting back to something you can manage.
“If workouts have been too intense then cut back to a lighter routine or focus on something as simple as walking. The key is getting into the habit of physical activity and ramping up the workouts when you’re ready,” said Dr. Veigel.
If eating healthier is resolution you’ve slipped on, Dr. Veigel suggests refocusing your efforts and reminds people not to categorize food as “good” or “bad” and instead looking at certain foods higher in sugar or fat as those to enjoy in moderation.
“Getting healthier is a marathon not a sprint, and just know you’re going to have setbacks along the way but to keep focused,” said Dr. Veigel. “Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help because this is a big step and can be hard to know what works.”
People can consult with their primary care doctor to make sure they don’t have other issues that may inhibit reaching their health goals. A primary care doctor may also suggest working with a nutritionist and an exercise specialist to help you get started.
Jake Veigel, MD, is a sports medicine physician at the Intermountain West Valley Clinic. For more information on Intermountain Health’s lifestyle and wellness programs click here.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.
Erasmo Mcnaught
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