Time for New Year’s resolutions! Getting in shape is always popular and a big deal on the internet. Here are some online examples of how we’re pushed to go for it: “Exercising can be fun — really. Five ways to add more joy to your workouts.” Since diet helps determine the outcome of workouts, we’re supposed to happily go for that, too: “Ditch the restrictive resolutions and set one of these three fun food ‘intentions’ instead.” OK … here I go:
First, I have modified my diet. I hate doing that, but definitely want to get in shape and look great. I’ve always said, “Vanity is everything!” That’s the result of spending decades as a classical ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer. It’s why I sway to the music while shopping at the supermarket. This week, a perfect stranger approached me in the frozen food section and asked if I’m a pole dancer. Dancing half-naked in a bar was never me, so I laughed my head off.
But this silly incident made my day, especially since I’m overweight, like most of us. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 70% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Tennessee is among the top 10 states with the highest obesity rates. I have plenty of company.
Is your New Year’s resolution also getting into shape? We’re supposed to start by limiting ultraprocessed food. Did you know that 3/4 of our food supply is ultraprocessed, enhancing taste and texture with hydrogenated oils, modified starches, artificial colors and sweeteners? Surprisingly, many products considered nutritious are also ultraprocessed: some packaged breads, flavored yogurts, vegan “meats” and protein shakes.
Maybe I should just focus on exercise. Lucky you if you’re already able to run and lift weights, but many of us cannot. That’s why walking has become a “thing.” Step trackers are ubiquitous. For young folks, 10,000 steps per day is a great goal. Us older folks should try for 6,000-8,000 steps. But not all at once. I added about 1,500 steps (15 minutes) every couple of days. I think that I can do this a couple of times a week.
I feel more toned, but still not satisfied. When fat cells shrink, the surrounding tissue takes time to tighten up.
What kept me going was the fact that 75% of overweight folks have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a liver fat build-up that has few if any symptoms. Few people are aware that they’ve got this sneaky disease. Some physicians report that NAFLD causes a higher risk for health problems like cardiovascular disease and requires a change in lifestyle.
When I tested positive for NAFLD, I used this new knowledge and insight for motivation to embrace lifestyle changes. I realized that my New Year’s resolutions had to go beyond vanity. Olympic medal winner and Holocaust survivor Ágnes Keleti lived to be 103. Maybe I could aim to live that long, too.
After clearing the kitchen of most ultraprocessed foods, I now measure portion sizes. Veggies are everywhere. I walk daily, sometimes twice a day, which I hope will add to my quality of life and longevity. Surprisingly, this New Year’s resolution has begun to grow on me. I’m in control of my life for 2025. How about you? Try changing your lifestyle — or maybe one habit or two — and see if 2025 could be a healthy year for you, yes?
Contact Deborah Levine, an author, trainer/coach and editor of the American Diversity Report, at Deborah@AmericanDiversity Report.com.