Ava McDonnell
January is the most popular month for weight-loss efforts, but many Floridians struggle to maintain momentum beyond the first few weeks of the year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30.1% of Florida adults are classified as obese.
The problem often lies in overly restrictive New Year’s resolutions that rely on short-term motivation rather than sustainable behavior change.
“After Christmas, many people adopt an all-or-nothing mindset, setting overly strict rules that are difficult to maintain,” said Ahsan, a prescribing pharmacist with Quick Meds. “When those rules inevitably slip, people often abandon their efforts altogether.”
Quick Meds recommends focusing on small, realistic changes such as regular meal timing, improved sleep, portion awareness, and reduced snacking rather than extreme calorie restriction. Mindful eating, including slowing down during meals and limiting distractions, can also help regulate appetite and prevent overeating.
Mindset plays a bigger role than many people realize. Negative thoughts like “I’ve already failed” can quickly derail progress. Instead of reframing those moments after the fact, incorporate it as part of the process can help build consistency over time.
Here are tips to stay committed to your goals:
- Support and accountability.
- Share goals with others.
- Loosely track habits.
- Measure progress beyond scale, like improved energy, fitness, or sleep.
January can be emotionally challenging, with shorter days and lingering post-holiday stress. So, be mindful when food becomes a coping tool, and instead plan ways to decompress, like taking a walk, calling a friend, or journaling.
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