3 simple ways to keep New Year’s resolutions

Set “just for fun” goals.

Setting smaller, achievable goals that support your resolutions can help you feel accomplished and motivated. “If your resolution is to eat more wholesome and nourishing foods, consider eating your way through the alphabet,” Goldberg suggests. “Choose a letter each week and get creative with your meals. For example, A, could be for apples. Add apples to your breakfast oatmeal, peanut butter snacks or winter salads.”

This works for fitness too. “Start with A and get in an aerobics class, bowling could be for B and so on. It makes movement fun and can involve family and friends!”

For more recipe and exercise inspiration, check out our Health Library and the discounted gym memberships and on-demand workouts you can enjoy as a Sharp Health Plan member.

Skip fad diets.

Trendy diets can be unsustainable and restrictive. Instead, focus on building a healthy lifestyle and improving your well-being, Goldberg says. Eating well-balanced meals, practicing daily movement, reducing stress, getting plenty of rest, and using your preventive care benefits are all great places to start.

“Best Health’s wellness webinars offer tips to eat healthier at home, manage your weight, get more movement, and so much more,” she explains. The webinars are free and offer hands-on resources anyone can use.

Bring in a buddy or a health coach.

If you’re feeling stuck, a little accountability can go a long way. When you set goals with someone else, you can introduce some friendly competition while building a strong support system. Checking off daily walks, meal prepping and celebrating your wins will get a lot easier when you share responsibility with a loved one.

Kick off a fun wellness challenge with friends or family members to boost your activity, eat healthier and much more. Getting started is easy: Just create a Best Health account or download the mobile app and visit the ‘Connect’ tab to join in.

For more structure, Goldberg recommends working with a health coach. “One of the best things about our team is that we’re local, and we’re invested in the health and success of our community,” she says. “We’re so proud to support San Diegans with health coaches who can understand your needs while helping you meet your goals.”

You can connect one-on-one with a health coach over the phone at no cost. Six weekly sessions with 30-minute calls are a convenient way to cover a topic of your choice. Topics include: