RALEIGH, N.C. — The calendar officially turned to 2023, bringing a clean slate and, for many, a fresh list of resolutions, goals and aspirations.
If getting healthier is on your resolutions list, you’re not alone. According to Statistica, exercising more, eating healthier and losing weight are the top three resolutions for Americans in 2023.
What You Need To Know
- 64% of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by the end of January
- In 2023, the top three resolutions for Americans are exercising more, eating healthier and losing weight
- Brit Guerin, a certified mental health counselor, personal trainer and owner of Current Wellness, provides tips below for realistic, healthy and happy resolutions
However, a whopping 64% of people give up on their resolutions by the end of January, according to a study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
With a surge of gym-goers and fad diets accompanying the New Year, promises of losing weight fast and with little effort often run rampant on social media.
Experts, including Brit Guerin, said people want to try different fad diets because the diet industry is so convincing. Guerin is a licensed mental health counselor (LCMHCA), fitness trainer and owner of Current Wellness in downtown Raleigh.
“The difficult reality is that diets are not effective. There is currently no evidence-based diet that works long-term, meaning past five years,” Guerin explained. “This can be really frustrating because when the diet doesn’t work, diet companies blame the user.”“The difficult reality is that diets are not effective. There is currently no evidence-based diet that works long-term, meaning past five years,” Guerin explained. “This can be really frustrating because when the diet doesn’t work, diet companies blame the user.”
Guerin specializes in working with people experiencing disordered eating, disordered exercise, anxiety, trauma and more.
“It [dieting] can lead to obsessive thoughts, obsessive behaviors, anxiety, depression and even eating disorders, which are really dangerous,” Guerin said.
She recommended a non-judgmental, compassionate and collaborative approach to achieving your goals.
“Really moving away from the focus of weight loss and shifting to these behaviors that are perhaps important to you and your values,” Guerin said.
“So maybe you want to engage in more regular movement that is joyful and fun. Maybe you want to drink more water, get more sleep, get outside more, or find a like kind of like-minded community.”
The more your goals and behaviors align with your values, the easier it is to stick to them in the long-term, she said. She also recommended the book "Atomic Habits" as a resource.
“There’s times where you’re going to be less active. And that’s totally okay that that makes you a normal human being that, you know, you’re just doing your best. So really removing the shame can really create more spaciousness in your life to feel better,” Guerin said.
To connect with her and get help with physical and mental health, click here.