A New Year resolutions -Beyond measuring progress by weight loss alone

by Elad Levinson

The time has come to recognize that the entire way we measure our progress in health improvement and weight loss is seriously flawed.
The New Year’s resolutions are being constructed today, tomorrow and they inevitably say, “I will lose X pounds this year, month, day, hour, minute” depending upon how realistic/in denial you are as you make them.

I propose that we shoot the messengers of weight loss who claim pounds loss equal success and thrown in the BMI for good luck (Body Mass Index or how it is affectionately called the Big Mistake Index) because it is a mistake to use it as the only useful tool for measuring right sizing.

Here are some new forms of measurement that you might consider:
1. Truthfulness and Accuracy: Am I telling the truth to myself about what I actually put into my body- quantity and quality?
2. Mental training and skills: Am I committed to developing the tools and skills that make me a more objective observer of my own responses and reactions so I can make better choices?
3. Lifelong, sustainable eating plan: Do I have a realistic plan for eating that I can live with the rest of my life that will lead me to steady health improvement and weight loss/maintenance?
4. Exercise and movement: Am I constructing and experimenting with ways of moving that get me up off the couch and engaged with life in a pleasurable and healthful way?
5. Self-honesty and authenticity: Am I becoming more willing to say what is in my heart and mind regardless of how others see or respond to my experience?
6. Compassion and self-esteem: Am I willing to concern myself with others in need in such a way that it relieves me of the burden of isolation and makes me feel good about myself through acts of generosity?
7. Progress and small wins: Do I realize the long-term nature of my commitment and am I willing to approach my health improvement as a decade or lifelong goal with incremental changes for the better?