Posted: 1/1/2020
Even the smallest lifestyle changes can improve your overall health. For people with diabetes, healthy New Year’s goals can also help manage your condition.
Whether you want to change your eating habits or pick up a new exercise routine, New Year’s goals are an excellent way to stay motivated.
If you’ve fallen short of your goals this year, now is the time to get motivated to start them again.
Keeping Doctor’s Appointments
Seeing your doctor regularly can help you stay on track. Make seeing your provider 2-4 times per year a goal this year.
Eating Better
• Make a goal to cut out an unhealthy snack. You can improve your diabetes by cutting back on sugary drinks or candies.
• Instead of cutting out foods, try adding healthier ones. Make a goal to add 2 vegetable servings to your meals each day.
Moving More
When it comes to making fitness goals, start small. You don’t have to go run a marathon to stay in shape. You can start by increasing your activity throughout the day.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work or park your car farther when you go grocery shopping.
• Yoga is great for beginners because it is low-impact (easier). Try looking for free workout classes in your local community.
• Make sure you speak to your provider before you start on your fitness goals.
Managing Diabetes
• You can make a goal to check your blood sugar 1 or 2 times per day.
• Make a goal to keep track of your important health numbers. The health numbers you should keep track of are your A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol numbers and body mass index (BMI).
• Ask your doctor to explain to you what your numbers mean if there are any numbers that can be improved. Try to keep a record of your numbers throughout the year so that you can look back and see if they have improved.
The most important thing about making New Year’s goals is sticking to them! If you get off track, remember why you started! Finish the year as strong as you started it.