We all make them! and then break them…. Rule #1: make it achievable by taking baby steps to incorporate your plan as part of your routine. Especially when it comes to goals involving your health & weight, these plans require a lifetime commitment and a conscious decision to make the required change(s). If you approach your resolution with a short-term effort as your plan, your success will be short-lived and you will find that resolution returning to greet you with every New Year.  Your heart’s gotta be on board with the program because if it’s not, it just won’t succeed.  But don’t be discouraged!  You just need to do some soul-searching to figure out what is really important to you, and listen to your gut (literally & spiritually)!

Now here’s a couple of programs I’ve come across that might be just what you need to help you achieve your goals:

Overweight men who live in the Okanagan, BC can participate in a free 90 min. weekly session every Tuesday from mid-January to April.  The program is called “Hat Trick” and is organized by the Kelowna Rockets along with UBC researchers to help local men increase physical activity, improve nutrition and enhance social connections.  Eligibility requirements are that you live in the Okanagan, be at least 35 yrs old, participate in less that 150 min. of activity per week, have a pant size greater that 38″ and a BMI over 25kg per square metre.  They also plan to start new groups in the spring and fall of 2017.  Learn more at hattrick.ok.ubc.ca or contact Paul Sharp at 250-807-9907 or email [email protected]

If quitting smoking is a new or recurring resolution, you may want to check out “Run to Quit”.  This is an innovative program for Canadians created by the Canadian Cancer Society & Running Room Canada’s Learn to Walk or Run five-kilometre clinics.  It has been proven to help smokers cope with discomfort & cravings and has cash-prize incentives to remain smoke-free!  Can you think of anything else you might want to do with all that extra cash you would be saving by cutting out cigarettes?  Learn more at runtoquit.com

Happy New Year & Good Luck!