GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

As you change your calendar from December to January, there’s always a bit of a thrill in the promise of a new year that’s full of potential. The New Year is chance to start fresh and say goodbye to any of the frustrations the previous year held—a perfect opportunity to make resolutions that will help strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body.

However, many of us find our resolutions thrown out along with the holiday decorations. It’s no wonder—starting the New Year by making sweeping cuts to our diets and declarations that we’ll hit the gym seven days a week doesn’t exactly set us up for success! But by reframing resolutions and breaking them down into smaller, easy-to-sustain goals you’ll see big benefits in the long run.

As a community-serving organization here in Will and Grundy counties, we see how things such as getting involved in with the community and making lifestyle changes can change someone’s life for the better. Here are five New Year’s Resolutions we recommend for 2017:

Move More

It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

Swap a Soda a Day

It may be difficult, but cutting soda can do wonders for your body. If you can’t cut it entirely, resolve to swap one soda a day for a large glass of water instead. Once you’ve been able to swap one out, see if you can cut soda entirely. 

Schedule Family-Time

With work, school, and activities family-time may seem like an impossible ask, but see if your family can have a “screen-free” night with no phones, video games, etc. Instead, use that time to play a board game, play outside or visit with family and friends.

Volunteer Your Time

Giving back and supporting neighbors can benefit everyone involved. Not only is it a personally rewarding experience to help others in need, but it’s also a way to meet new people or discover an interest. Find an opportunity in your community, such as reading to children at the library or distributing food at a local food bank. 

Put Extras to Good Use

Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs.

For additional tips or to learn more about how to get involved with the Greater Joliet Area YMCA contact us at (815) SAY-YMCA or visit your local branch today.

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Each year, the United States Marine Corps Reserve relies on the Greater Joliet Area YMCA to be one of its largest distribution organizations for Toys for Tots. Last week, staff and volunteers from across our association came together in the spirit of the holiday season to sort and organize more than 3000 donations. Because of this amazing program, more than 700 area children will experience the joy of opening gifts on Christmas morning.

Stressful times during the holiday season can oftentimes lead to poor lifestyle choices. That includes overeating and overdrinking, decreased physical activity and changes in sleep patterns.

Trish Greenwood, a dietitian and nutritionist at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital, offers up these four tips to help you stay on track this holiday season.

Choose Your Food Wisely
Create a plan ahead of time so you have some guaranteed healthy choices to turn to. Eating slowly and socializing away from the buffet table are also ways to prevent overeating. Another great tip is to bring a healthy dish to pass at gatherings. That way you will know that there will be a healthy option there. In most recipes, simple substitutions can be made to reduce calories without sacrificing taste. Try swapping out regular ingredients for low-fat versions. Sometimes eating dinner even before you go to a party can be a good decision. Be sure to choose indulgences wisely. When you choose to indulge, choose foods that are unique and special to the season in small portions. Don’t waste calories on store-bought cookies or food that you can have any time of year. As always, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Choose plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages. Remember being thirsty can sometimes give you the same signs as being hungry.

Don’t Overdo It
Increased alcohol consumption can not only provide you with unnecessary calories, but may also lead to poor food choices as well. To avoid increased alcohol consumption, limit to one glass a day for women and two glasses for men, and drink slowly. Also, be sure to make wise choices. Some servings of holiday cheer can really rack up the empty calories, especially when sugary mixers are involved.

Stay Active
Don’t forget to make time for physical activity. Walk as much as possible, dance with your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or build a snowman! Whatever you choose to do, just try to move more. Exercise will increase your metabolism, give you energy and reduce stress. Bottom line – you will feel better physically and mentally!

Stay Rested
Holiday stress can also lead to changes in sleep patterns. To minimize sleep problems, avoid alcohol, caffeine and exercise before bed. It can also help to avoid very heavy or spicy meals. You can even try Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that as released can induce sleep. Herbal preparations can also be helpful. Some examples include valerian root, passion flower, oat, chamomile and hops.

Whether we believe it or not, the holidays are upon us. To help you feel better and survive this joyful, busy time of year, keep these tips in mind: eat regular meals including a variety of foods, minimize high-fat foods and be mindful of portion sizes. Also, don’t forget to drink water and get plenty of rest and exercise. Wishing you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday season!

Trish Greenwood, RDN, LDN
Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center