2017 is here, and most of us are looking at the New Year as a fresh start, a new beginning that includes thinking about your New Year's resolution. Research shows that only about 9 percent of people actually achieve their New Year's goals. After the holiday tradition of over-indulgence, people often set out to rid their cabinets of junk food, hit the gym and start fresh. But while most start out the New Year with the best of intentions, they often employ the worst of strategies - tackling the problem too aggressively, with overly restrictive "fad" diets, or exercise regimes that they can't commit to, and soon give up their efforts.
Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, think about a few small changes that you're confident you can make right away, even today. That way you'll build on each small success – and rebuild a healthier and better diet, step by step. A few small changes over the course of the day really can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your diet.
The following tips are provided by Dr. John Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., Chief Health & Nutrition Officer at Herbalife.
- First, don't call it a diet, because diets are restrictive. Create specific and achievable goals and resolutions. Remember, this is a lifestyle change that can lead to sustainable, lasting results, not a "fad" diet.
- Make little lifestyle changes- it takes three weeks to make a habit, add fruits and vegetables to every meal, go for a walk, take the stairs instead if elevator, park your car further from the door and walk. For example, just ditching soda in favor of water at one meal, can cut at least 150 calories and about 10 teaspoons of sugar out of your day.
- Take action. Weight management is a result of balanced nutrition and exercise. Remember that you need to supply your muscles with protein and other nutrients that are important to your workout recovery.
- Balanced nutrition that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and proteins will help maintain energy and curb appetite. Many people find that an easy way to jump start their diet is to replace two meals with a meal replacement shake or bar, like Herbalife® Formula 1, then have a calorie-controlled, healthy entrée as their third meal, with extra veggies and salad on the side.
About Dr. Agwunobi
Dr. John Agwunobi is the Chief Health & Nutrition Officer for Herbalife and brings an accomplished background and a wealth of experience as a physician, a public health official and a global executive. From 2005-2007, he served as the Assistant Secretary of Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. During his term, he was responsible for disease prevention and health promotion. He oversaw the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the office of the U.S. Surgeon General, and numerous other public health offices and programs. At Herbalife, he is responsible for the company's nutrition philosophy and ensuring nutrition science is integrated into nutrition training and product education for Herbalife Independent Distributors. He works closely with Herbalife scientists and Ph.D.s to provide leadership and support to the Herbalife Nutrition Institute and the company's expert advisory boards.
