3 Health Goals for 2023- That Aren't Related to the Scale
Losing x amount of pounds is out- specific health goals are in! Here are 3 health goals I am focusing on in 2023, that don't have focus on my weight changing.
New year, new me? This cliché has been around as long as I can remember. I wanted to take some time to talk about goal setting beyond a specific number of pounds. Saying you want to lose three pounds may be true to you- but that does not do anything for changing your mentality when it comes to goals. I did a whole blog post on setting SMART goals that I would suggest reading after you're finished here.
So if we are not setting weight related goals, what else is there? There are a lot of options! Here are three that I am setting for myself this year.
1. Try 1 new fruit or veggie a month.
This is a great way to expand your pallet and increase variety. It also makes healthy eating fun! I have tried a lot of produce, challenging this will test my culinary skills and also allow me to try something I may not usually grab. January's choice was mustard greens. I love collard greens so gave these a go! Turns out- they taste pretty much the same.
2. Add in an extra 10 minutes of walking each day.
I love, love, love this one! It has been challenging for me over the winter months because I detest the cold. However, this is a great way for me to naturally wake up and make sure I am getting in some non-exercise based movement into my routine. For you, this could be any amount of time- 10 minutes is what I decided to roll with.
3. Spend more time outdoors- with SPF of course!
Sunshine is great for vitamin D levels. That is why I always add in my supplement in the colder months where I am not getting in quite as much sun. Fresh air helps to wake me up, lift my mood and energize me as well. Not to mention, I am less sedentary when I am spending time outdoors & connecting with nature. However, don't forget the sunscreen!
Now all of these can be modified regarding the SMART format to fit your specific lifestyle. Here are how I modified them to fit me.
Once a month I will add a new fruit of vegetable into my shopping cart/bag at the market or store to incorporate into a recipes/meal for the next 12 months.
I will incorporate a 10 minute mindful walk either in the morning or after dinner 4-5 times/week for the next year.
I will spend 30 minutes outdoors at least every other weekend (weather pending) doing an activity I enjoy (farmer's market, running/walking outside, hiking, reading by the pool, etc.) over the course of the next year.
Now, usually I would not put a year for the time frame- but for the sake of the argument that is what we are going with. Some other areas of focus could include hydration, sleep, communication, journaling, meditation, fiber intake, vitamin/probiotic use, meal planning, grocery shopping, meal prep, reducing eating out/money spent on takeout, family meals, cleaning your kitchen, incorporating more omega-3s, reducing mindless snacking and MORE! See? There is a lot more to it than the scale.
What are your 2023 goals? Let me know in the comments!