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You are here: Home / Staying Motivated / How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes

How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes

January 8, 2021 By Toby Smithson

Want to make a New Year’s resolution related to managing your diabetes more effectively? First, learn how to make a resolution that’s likely to be successful.

Happy holidays…..I’m Toby with Diabetes EveryDay…. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and I’d love to have you as a subscriber to my newsletter too. You can find that link on my website, diabeteseveryday.com.

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So Christmas is over and maybe your diabetes management suffered some with all the food laying around since Halloween. Maybe the weather’s been unfavorable for your normal exercise.

Time for some massive changes….time for a comprehensive behavior turnaround by making that iconic New Year’s resolution. And really, could there be a better time to address all of your perceived lapses with diet and exercise in one swoop than January 1st, facing the worst of winter after having your whole life on a pandemic pause for 10 or 11 months? Throw in election adventures, uncertainty about a COVID relief package, stories about a mutated coronavirus….seems like the perfect time to overwhelm yourself with unreasonable expectations and guilt, doesn’t it?

Be Sure To Check Out – Eating Healthy During the Holidays With Diabetes

Well, of course, it’s not…New Year’s resolutions have a pretty poor record of success in the best of times. Every year I write about this and discourage us all to avoid promising ourselves things we can’t keep.

How can we keep up with our diabetes New Year’s resolutions?

Here’s a better idea……three easy steps. That is three small steps.

Step 1: choose which health goal you want to focus on. Start with one goal. Take some time to think it through. Don’t get hung up on New Year’s Day.

What’s most important to your health? Is it a healthy eating goal, a being active goal, or a checking blood sugar goal? These are just some examples. The key is to keep our goals small so they are achievable.  So if you want to lose weight, know that is a big goal and in order to achieve it, we need to break down the behaviors into goals. So let’s use the example of overall wanting to lose weight as our big goal

Step 2:  We want to make sure our goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s look at the behaviors associated with our big goal of losing weight…We want to set up these goals following the SMART concept…

For a weight loss goal, We may want to try adding more activity to our day and set up our goal as “I will include at least 10 minutes of walking outside every other day and if the weather is not conducive, I will use an activity app or log into youtube for an exercise class in my house or apartment for at least 10 minutes every other day for the next four weeks.”

Step 3: Keep track– You know yourself best on what works and doesn’t work. To keep us on track we can set up reminders on our cell phones, calendars, apps, or an exercise journal for this particular goal we have set up. Once we have achieved the goal, it’s time to set up the next goal.

So…when we have been exercising for at least 10 minutes every other day, let’s move the time allotment to 15 or 20 minutes every other day or whatever feels comfortable to you for moving forward.

Be Sure To Check Out – Diabetes and Physical Activity- It’s Never Too Late to Get the Benefits

Just remember

I’ve just listed a three-step process for setting goals but there’s one more important point…have fun. If walking for 10 minutes doesn’t sound like fun, tweak the goal by adding a phone call to your walk to catch up with a friend or family member OR replace walking with dancing, put on some music in the house, and dance for 10 minutes.

We don’t want to feel overwhelmed as we typically won’t stick with our goal if it’s too big so if any of these ideas feel too overwhelming, scale it back to a smaller goal. Try not to get caught up in the New Year’s pressure, where commitments are likely to be spur of the moment, not specific enough, and too broad. Increase your chance for success….think it through first. Being successful will motivate you to set the next goal. I recently saw a quote that I love and want to share with you – Don’t wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take.

Until next time, Cheers to your health.

You May Also Enjoy

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  • Modest Activity IS Better Than None
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Filed Under: Staying Motivated

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Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

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Mar 1

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Happy #NationalNutritionMonth! Loving this list of #dietitiantips for #mealprep  Anything new that you plan on trying?  @christinejbyrne @myfitnesspal @kimyawitz_rdn @weight.loss.dietitian @bethstark.rdn @amydgorin @chefgirl_nutrition @no.waste.nutrition @cheerfulchoices @nutrigirl66 @jsmartnutrition @prettynutritious_ @amandaterillo @eatright_pro #eatrightpro #nnmchat #healthyeating #mealprepping #mealprepideas https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/tips-from-dietitians-for-better-meal-prep/

Happy #NationalNutritionMonth! Loving this list of #dietitiantips for #mealprep Anything new that you plan on trying? @christinejbyrne @myfitnesspal @kimyawitz_rdn @weight.loss.dietitian @bethstark.rdn @amydgorin @chefgirl_nutrition @no.waste.nutrition @cheerfulchoices @nutrigirl66 @jsmartnutrition @prettynutritious_ @amandaterillo @eatright_pro #eatrightpro #nnmchat #healthyeating #mealprepping #mealprepideas https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/tips-from-dietitians-for-better-meal-prep/ ...

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Mar 1

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Took the opportunity to #relax at the beach. Our #englishspringerspaniel  loved letting the breeze blow her hair and watching other dogs swim in the ocean ❤️ #relaxationtime #englishspringerrescueamerica #loveourdog @smithsonanthony

Took the opportunity to #relax at the beach. Our #englishspringerspaniel loved letting the breeze blow her hair and watching other dogs swim in the ocean ❤️ #relaxationtime #englishspringerrescueamerica #loveourdog @smithsonanthony ...

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Feb 26

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Took my #englishspringerspaniel for a walk to the #beach to meetup with her sister. I feel like this photo can be straight out of a movie. What’s the caption you’d write for this photo?  #relaxationtime #stressrelief #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielsofig #diabetesmanagement

Took my #englishspringerspaniel for a walk to the #beach to meetup with her sister. I feel like this photo can be straight out of a movie. What’s the caption you’d write for this photo? #relaxationtime #stressrelief #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielsofig #diabetesmanagement ...

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Feb 24

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Nobody asks for this job but if you’ve been diagnosed with #type1diabetes or #type2diabetes, you are a “ #Diabetes Manager”. 
Note: #healthylifestyle is number 1 on the daily task list. #healthyeating #exercise #monitoring #bloodsugar #diabetesmanagement 
#diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity  #diabeteslife  https://youtu.be/BmV54BJZ0aQ

Nobody asks for this job but if you’ve been diagnosed with #type1diabetes or #type2diabetes, you are a “ #Diabetes Manager”.
Note: #healthylifestyle is number 1 on the daily task list. #healthyeating #exercise #monitoring #bloodsugar #diabetesmanagement
#diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabeteslife

https://youtu.be/BmV54BJZ0aQ
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Feb 24

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Trying something new this year for our #vegetablegarden by growing #tomatoes and #bellpeppers via a #hydroponicgarden .  Does anyone have any tips for replanting in my garden after last frost date?  #haveaplant #freshtomatoes #healthyeating #stressrelief #freshvegetables #southcarolina

Trying something new this year for our #vegetablegarden by growing #tomatoes and #bellpeppers via a #hydroponicgarden . Does anyone have any tips for replanting in my garden after last frost date? #haveaplant #freshtomatoes #healthyeating #stressrelief #freshvegetables #southcarolina ...

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Feb 21

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#diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport #diabeteseducation #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

#diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport #diabeteseducation #type1diabetes #type2diabetes ...

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Best picks from myself and fellow dietitians when driving thru the #fastfood lane.  @huffingtonpost_ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthy-fast-food-drive-thru_l_5ff5ce55c5b665581f66efe2

Best picks from myself and fellow dietitians when driving thru the #fastfood lane. @huffingtonpost_ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthy-fast-food-drive-thru_l_5ff5ce55c5b665581f66efe2 ...

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Happy #NationalLoveYourDogDay Addie. Rescuing you was one of the best things that happened in 2020! #EnglishSpringer #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel  #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue

Happy #NationalLoveYourDogDay Addie. Rescuing you was one of the best things that happened in 2020! #EnglishSpringer #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue ...

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Feb 18

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It was a lot of fun watching a movie that our #englishspringerspaniel loved too! She was listening to every chirp from the magpie in the Penguin Bloom movie. #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerrescue

It was a lot of fun watching a movie that our #englishspringerspaniel loved too! She was listening to every chirp from the magpie in the Penguin Bloom movie. #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerrescue ...

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Feb 17

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Happy #cannedfoodmonth ! With all the winter storms or heavy rain we’ve experienced, it’s a perfect time to make sure your pantry is well stocked. Video link in YouTube bio. #cannedfoodfan @pacificcoastproducers1971 #cannedfruit #cannedfood #diabetes #cannedtomatoes #diabetesmanagement @cannedfoodfan #healthyeating

Happy #cannedfoodmonth ! With all the winter storms or heavy rain we’ve experienced, it’s a perfect time to make sure your pantry is well stocked. Video link in YouTube bio. #cannedfoodfan @pacificcoastproducers1971 #cannedfruit #cannedfood #diabetes #cannedtomatoes #diabetesmanagement @cannedfoodfan #healthyeating ...

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Very important message for everyone although this #video is directly related to people with #diabetes . Link to video is in bio under #youtube.  Are you hard on yourself? A perfectionist? Do you show yourself #compassion? Thank you @diabetesredefined for sharing your wisdom. #bekind #bekindtoyourself #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunityonline

Very important message for everyone although this #video is directly related to people with #diabetes . Link to video is in bio under #youtube. Are you hard on yourself? A perfectionist? Do you show yourself #compassion? Thank you @diabetesredefined for sharing your wisdom. #bekind #bekindtoyourself #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunityonline ...

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Feb 9

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Shout out to canned foods during #nationalcannedfoods month. People with #diabetes can choose the option of canned #fruits in natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup. #cannedfoods Pacific Coast Producers Fan Page #cannedfruit #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #diabetescommunity #diabetesfriendly @pacificcoastproducers1971

Shout out to canned foods during #nationalcannedfoods month. People with #diabetes can choose the option of canned #fruits in natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup. #cannedfoods Pacific Coast Producers Fan Page #cannedfruit #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #diabetescommunity #diabetesfriendly @pacificcoastproducers1971 ...

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Looking for some new #recipes that are #hearthealthy ? I’m thankful that fellow registered dietitians @cindykleckner and @chewthefacts loaned me one of their #fish recipes to share with you all.  Check out this video link in my bio. #americanheartassociation  #wearredday #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetescommunity #dashdiet #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

Looking for some new #recipes that are #hearthealthy ? I’m thankful that fellow registered dietitians @cindykleckner and @chewthefacts loaned me one of their #fish recipes to share with you all. Check out this video link in my bio. #americanheartassociation #wearredday #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetescommunity #dashdiet #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes ...

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Thrilled to receive #covidvaccine #2. 
Aside from my happiness of no snow, no freezing temperatures, I’m also glad to live in a small town where it literally took me 10 minutes to drive to the vaccine clinic at the local hospital. #stayingsafe #stayinghealthy

Thrilled to receive #covidvaccine #2.
Aside from my happiness of no snow, no freezing temperatures, I’m also glad to live in a small town where it literally took me 10 minutes to drive to the vaccine clinic at the local hospital. #stayingsafe #stayinghealthy
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I LOVE this topic on #ForestBathing and even more research has emerged about the benefits during uncertain times. #selfcare #stressfreechallenge @usnews  How to Use Nature to Reduce Stress – and More
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/benefits-of-forest-bathing-for-stress
Research shows that forest bathing offers significant benefits for physical and mental health. New studies show it can also help manage blood sugar levels for people with #diabetes.

I LOVE this topic on #ForestBathing and even more research has emerged about the benefits during uncertain times. #selfcare #stressfreechallenge @usnews

How to Use Nature to Reduce Stress – and More
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/benefits-of-forest-bathing-for-stress
Research shows that forest bathing offers significant benefits for physical and mental health. New studies show it can also help manage blood sugar levels for people with #diabetes.
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Jan 27

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This is one of the most asked questions... what’s the best #snack? Here is my response...
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #healthyeating #nuts @californiaalmonds almonds @superseedz #fruit #haveaplant #cheese #yogurt #tea #coffee #vegetables #chiaseeds 
Video link in bio

This is one of the most asked questions... what’s the best #snack? Here is my response...
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #healthyeating #nuts @californiaalmonds almonds @superseedz #fruit #haveaplant #cheese #yogurt #tea #coffee #vegetables #chiaseeds
Video link in bio
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Jan 21

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Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear.  P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker  #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition 
Video link in bio.

Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear. P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition
Video link in bio.
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Jan 15

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Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio  #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever

Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever ...

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Jan 14

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Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot

Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot ...

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