The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘New Year New You’ for 2024
Q: I want to feel and look better in 2024 than I have for the past few years. What are your suggestions for some doable New Year’s Resolutions? — Gary P., Sacramento, California
A: Congratulations on deciding to take charge of your health and happiness in 2024. Our “New Year New You” plan sets out easy-to-do steps. We provide the condensed version here, and urge you to see the in-depth program in the blog at iHerb.com and in the free newsletter from LongevityPlaybook.com.
— Think positively. A 2020 study of people who made New Year’s resolutions found that those who aimed for healthy habits were around 25% more likely to achieve their goals than folks whose resolutions involved giving up a bad habit.
— Don’t go it alone. You need a posse to go with your purpose. For example, if you have a walking buddy, you’re more likely to never skip a session. And having someone you can report to about your progress is reinforcing: Let them know every day how you worked toward achieving your resolution.
— Improve your nutrition. Time for a fridge and cupboard clean-out. Then, get smart about snacking. Out go ultra-processed foods; sugar-added food and drinks; red and processed meats; and foods with unhealthy saturated and trans fats. Then stock healthy snacks: nuts; fruit; 70% dark chocolate; veggie juices. Consider using allulose in place of sugar.
— Make sure you get the nutrients and minerals you need. Most Americans have inadequate levels of key vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and all eight components of E, magnesium and potassium. Take your vitamins, including a multivitamin with methylated Bs, a mineral combination with zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA).
— Adopt healthy sleep and stress management techniques.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.