Susan Reynhout

With the new year, people make promises to themselves like eating healthier and getting more exercise. Often those resolutions fall by the wayside by February, if not sooner.

The big question is: How do we keep our resolutions throughout the new year? How do we make it become a lifestyle change for the better?

Keep the following things in mind:

Understand that changing is hard to do. Simply put, it is easier to be bad. Fast food is available, and it’s easier to take the elevator than the stairs. Admit the extra weight you carry could make life harder for you down the road.

Make you resolutions positive. Rather than telling yourself – “I won’t eat pizza,” tell yourself what you will do. “I’m going to find healthy food I like.” Making resolutions positive keeps you from focusing on something you can’t have. Instead, it helps you find other choices to take its place.

Keep resolutions simple. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Be realistic. Getting back on track is easier when your resolution is simple and if you break it, just get back up and go at it again.

Stay positive. Find a friend who will pick you up and help you get going again. Work on your resolutions together. Give yourself the gift of taking care of you! Fit and Fun Health and Wellness Group is a caring, positive group of women making lifestyle changes together. We offer educational information, support, encouragement, reinforcement, accountability and lots of good laughs. We meet every Wednesday in Cottonwood Country Club, Room A-7. Optional weigh-in is from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. Meeting begins 9:30 a.m. Cost: One-time cost of $5.00 to sign up. Bring a notebook. For more information, call Sue at 480-250-5308.