A N E W Y E A R F O R H E A LT H Y C H O I C E S It is the time of the year to start our New Year’s Resolutions. Year after year, exercising more and eating healthy are the top two New Year’s Resolutions. We all have good intentions on New Year’s Day, but many go back to our old habits because change is never easy. A study by the University of Scranton showed only 8% of people stick to their New Year’s Resolution. So what can we do to stick to our goals? We talk with Dr. Lizotte from Seaside Medical Group in Oceanside to get his take on keeping healthy habits year-round. “With the holidays behind us, now might be a good time to revisit healthy eating habits,” said Paul Lizotte, DO, FACP, a board-certified Internist with Seaside Medical Group. “There are certain factors that you may have no control over, such as your genetics, environment, diseases and medications, that can affect your weight. But there are other factors that you can control all year round to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. I encourage my patients to eat a well-balanced diet, increase their physical activity and amount of sleep, and reduce stress whenever possible, especially at this time of the year.” To keep your New year’s Resolution while also enjoying balance in your life, Dr. Lizotte encourages his patients to consider these healthy eating tips: Make smaller goals for yourself instead of going straight for a strict exercise regimen. For instance, set a goal to go on a walk around your neighborhood every day for 30 minutes. Or make the goal to go to the gym two times a week. This way, you set realistic expectations for yourself and can create new plans from there. www.oceansidechamber.com | Winter 2022
Make exercise a fun part of your day. Play beach volleyball with your friends or family, take your dog to the park and run with them, plan a hike in the area or find fun group fitness classes to attend. Exercise should be a fun part of your day, so try to find something that you will genuinely enjoy. Instead of taking things out of your diet, add healthy options into your diet. Do you want spaghetti? Add some squash and broccoli. Are you craving tacos? Add bell pepper and onion to them. This way, you are still enjoying the food you love, but you add nutritional value and get full quicker. Eat a small healthy snack throughout the day, like almonds or fruit, to help prevent over-eating later in the day. Containing your hunger is very important. Eat more slowly to savor the taste of your food substitute sugary drinks for water. Water is essential for your overall health. “Remember, balance is key in making healthy choices,” added Dr. Lizotte. “Still do the things you love and try not to get discouraged if you have a bad day. Every day we wake up, we have a new chance to make healthy choices.” Maintaining your weight during this time is possible by committing to two simple goals: thoughtful planning and paying attention to your food choices. It’s OK to partake in your favorite treats if you do so mindfully and in moderation. If you would like to speak with someone about weight management and improving your health by eating better and exercising more, the nutrition experts at Tri-City Medical Center are here to help. Registered dietitians can provide medical nutrition counseling and work with you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that is right for you. Their goal is to help you make long-term changes in your eating habits and lifestyle while providing encouraging support and advice along the way. To learn more, visit Tri-City Medical Center’s Outpatient Nutritional Counseling Program or call 760-940-7726
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