Boost Your Health: My Exercise and Diet Changes for the New Year

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around personal experiences and reflections on health, exercise, and dietary changes as participants share their journeys at the start of the new year. Many discuss their resolutions or plans for improving their health and fitness, while others share anecdotes related to their experiences with exercise equipment.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of making plans to improve exercise and eating habits, noting positive changes in energy levels and body measurements.
  • Another participant expresses that they do not focus on weight loss but rather on maintaining good health metrics and energy levels.
  • Several users mention their personal approaches to resolutions, with some preferring to make plans instead of resolutions, citing past experiences with unsuccessful resolutions.
  • One participant shares a humorous story about their experience with an exercise ball at work, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of using such equipment.
  • Another participant discusses their goal of maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding negativity, inspired by a self-help book.
  • One participant reports a significant reduction in waist measurement, attributing it to their health changes and expressing surprise at the results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and personal significance of resolutions versus plans, with some participants expressing skepticism about resolutions while others find value in setting goals for the new year.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal experiences related to health and fitness, with some focusing on physical changes and others on mental and emotional well-being. The discussion reflects a range of attitudes towards new year resolutions and personal health journeys.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to members of the consultant community looking for personal stories and experiences related to health and fitness changes, as well as those considering their own approaches to new year goals.

raebates
raebates
Staff member
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One week ago today millions of Americans made resolutions, pledges, plans, or whatever, for the new year. Personally, I make plans. One of the plans I made was to continue tweaking my exercise and eating behaviors to help me be my best, healthiest self. (I made huge changes last year, and they made a big difference to my blood levels--great for a diabetic.) This year I've made a couple of changes to my exercise regime and adjusted a couple of my supplements. I'm beginning to see a difference in my energy level and my waistband. :thumbup:Another thing I did was trade my office chair for an exercise ball. I found one that was roughly the diameter of my chair height. Sitting on an exercise ball forces you to hold yourself up, which strengthens your core muscles. It also encourages movement, since it's tempting to bounce a bit and move around while you're sitting, which burns more calories than simply sitting. So, how are you doing with your, well, whatever?
 
Wow Rae! Just wanted to say keep up the great job!!
 
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Thanks. While I'm definitely in the "Fluffy" category, i don't put weight loss in my plan. For me, it places the focus in the wrong area. I work on good test numbers and energy level.Of course, knowing my less-than-coordinated habits, my friends are waiting for me to show up with black eyes from falling off the ball into the desk. LOL!
 
About 10 years ago, I resolved never to make new year's resolutions again. This is the longest I've kept a resolution! :)That being said, I always seem to "improve things" at the start of the year.2009 isn't so bad so far. ;)
 
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Unlike KG who resolved to make no resolutions, thereby making and breaking one in the same sentence? Like I've said before, I believe that "resolution" is Latin for "things I know I should do but really have no intention of doing for any length of time." I know there are people out there who make resolutions and keep them. I'm just not one of them. Plans work better for me.Plus, I tend to re-evaluate how things are working for me 3 or 4 times a year. My friend says I'm the only person she knows who reads self-help books and then actually does what they suggest. LOL!
 
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Decided I'd share my before & after picture. That's me on the left in February 1996. The one on the right is from NC 2008. Unfortunately, the 1996 picture was a really good picture of me. It was also a wake-up call. I am only 5' 2", and in that picture I wear a size 24 (provided it was loose). By the end of that year I had lost about 40 pounds. By and large I've kept all but 15 pounds of that off. Those 15 pounds kind of came and went for about 10 years. I took them off for good 2 years ago.

BeforeAfter.jpg


I'm still 5' 2", and I wear a 14 or 16, depending on the cut. My weight does fluctuate about 7 to 10 pounds due to edema from the diabetes. It's especially bad when I'm in hot, humid weather.
 
I think your hair looks cuter now too! ;)
 
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Thanks, Janet. It wasn't really as black as it appears, but it was pretty dark.
 
Rae- I have a funny story about the exercise ball. Before I became a SAHM, I worked in an advertising agency (read: Very lax atmosphere). Well, one of the copywriters read in self about sitting on the exercise ball and so her Boss, the department head (read: makes ton of money) bought everyone on her team those balls to sit on. At the time I was in an entry level position but promoted a couple months after to a print buyer. I moved into an office and had to meet all these outside supplier reps. Well, one day one came in to introduce himself and I was wearing a skirt that day. The bare skin on my leg stuck on the ball and I went face first into my desk. Needless to say I traded the ball for a chair after that. I wanted to use it again once I got to know my reps better, but one day my boss's daughter was in and was playing with it in the hallway and it hit the corner of a filling cabinet and got a hole in it!

But, it really does help your core. I got a bosu ball for Christmas. I am very excited to use it.

Rae- you look great!! In the first picture you look kinda like Ina Garten! :)
 
If I didn't deal with the public so much, I'd get one for my office at work.
 
I didn't make an actual resolution, but my goal is to be 100% positive this year and stay away from negative people that bring me down. I just got done reading "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne...very inspiring.

My year has been absoulutely fabulous and I am looking forward to each and every new day this year!!

"Success is MINE in 2009"
 
I think your beautiful Rae :)

I have kept up with my "changes" so far:

More fruits and veggies

Lowering stress
 
PCMelissa said:
I got a bosu ball for Christmas. I am very excited to use it.
Click to expand...


Bosu Balls are amazing!! they give you a spectacular workout and really help you with balance....

squats on the ball work wonders for the glutes... and pushups with the ball side down really work you.... makes me want to use one now!!
 
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Thanks so much for all of the kind words. And, congratulations to all of you who are moving forward with your decisions to succeed in one way or another this year.
 
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After all of that talk about feeling good, I woke today freezing. Every joint in my body is achy. Now I'm dealing with other, um, issues. Yuck. I certainly hope it's short-lived.
 
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I'm feeling better now, but I did fall off my exercise ball chair today. I reached for something on the floor beside me. It wasn't a good idea. Another of my plans was to write down the stories behind our Christmas decorations and ornaments as I put them away this year. I finally got that done today. Yep, that's right. I just took down my Christmas decorations today.
 
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I measured my waist this morning. In the You books I'm reading Drs. Oz and Roizen stress the importance of your waist measurement. They say that it's a much more important number than what's on the scale. Your waist measurement is also a good way to track your health.Well, as of today I've lost a full inch in my waist! I was shocked. Happy, but shocked. It looks like the changes I've made are working.
 
Good for you Rae, that is wonderful.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective exercise changes I can make for the New Year?

To boost your health in the New Year, consider incorporating a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with two days of strength training. You can also explore new activities like yoga, Pilates, or group fitness classes to keep things interesting.

How can I improve my diet for better health this year?

Improving your diet can start with simple changes, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains over refined grains, and opting for lean proteins. Additionally, try to reduce processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Meal prepping and planning can also help you make healthier choices throughout the week.

What are some easy meal prep ideas for a healthier diet?

Some easy meal prep ideas include preparing large batches of quinoa or brown rice, roasting a variety of vegetables, and grilling chicken or fish. You can also make salads in jars, where you layer ingredients to keep them fresh until you're ready to eat. Having healthy snacks like cut-up fruits and veggies or homemade energy bars on hand can also help you stay on track.

How can I stay motivated to stick to my exercise and diet changes?

Staying motivated can be challenging, but setting realistic goals and tracking your progress can help. Find a workout buddy or join a community for support and accountability. Additionally, celebrate small victories along the way, and remember to be flexible with your approach. If you have a setback, don’t be discouraged—just get back on track as soon as you can.

What role does hydration play in my health changes?

Hydration is crucial for overall health, as it helps regulate body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, and aids in nutrient absorption. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise. You can also include hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet to help meet your hydration needs.

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