Most people find it difficult to maintain their New Year’s resolutions. It can be hard to keep yourself motivated once the music has stopped and the confetti has been swept away. However, if you choose resolutions that are worth keeping, you just can’t go wrong. So here are some important health and lifestyle resolutions that you should make and keep. Here’s to a healthier and fitter you!

Health Resolution 1: I will control my portions

We tend to eat large portions, especially for lunch. Our fried foods, spicy curries, rice, ghee, parathas and veggies can pile on kilos without you even realizing. So, if you want to trim your weight and get rid of the flab and love handles, the time to start is the new year. Use smaller plates and bowls and before you know it, you will reduce your tendency to overeat.

Healthy Resolution 2: I will lead a more active life

Are you envious of your neighbor, who seems to eat without gaining an ounce? Well, look carefully. In all probability, your neighbor may be leading a physically active life. If you want to get slim, just eating smaller portions is not sufficient. You also will have to become physically active to burn calories and boost your metabolism. You should be looking to perform 30 minutes of physical exercise. Brisk walking, jogging, treadmill and swimming are some exercises busy professionals can incorporate into their daily schedule seamlessly. Instead of taking the lift, walk up the staircase.

Healthy Resolution 3: I will reduce my salt consumption

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common lifestyle ailments in India. One in four Indians has been diagnosed with elevated blood pressure. The incidences of hypertension tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. And, with the number of patients being diagnosed increasing steadily, hypertension is a cause for concern. So, make a New Year’s resolution to cut down your salt consumption. Today, the Indian food industry has made processed food available ubiquitously. However, these food items contain high levels of sodium. So avoid them as well. Reducing your salt consumption will reduce your risk of heart disease and hypertension.

Lifestyle Resolution: I will quit smoking

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in India, with more men being diagnosed with it compared to women. The Association of Physicians of India (API) states that 87 percent men and 85 percent women diagnosed with lung cancer have a history of tobacco smoking.¹ This is a good enough reason to quit smoking and regain your health and lung capacity. When you smoke, you are not only exposing yourself to carcinogenic chemicals and toxins, you also are exposing your children and friends to them. So resolve to give up smoking from the first day of the year.

New Year’s Resolutions and Annual Health Checkup

To keep yourself motivated to stick to your New Year’s resolution, it is best to schedule an annual health checkup after a couple of months. , who you can speak to openly and honestly about your health concerns and one who is ready to guide you. The results from your annual health checkup will be inspiring if you have managed to stick to your health and lifestyle New Year’s resolutions. This, in turn, will encourage you to continue with the resolutions.

Your Partner in Health

• Search skilled and knowledgeable doctors based on procedure, speciality and/or condition, making it easy for you to find the right doctor for your healthcare needs
• Ask a medical question about your healthcare problems and get an answer from a trained and qualified doctor free of cost