If it’s only January second and you already feel like you’ve fallen behind on your health or weight-loss goals, experts say take a breath. You’re not late, and you’re definitely not alone.
Ochsner Health nutritionist Molly Kimball says many people head into the new year looking for a quick jump start; something that moves the scale fast enough to spark motivation.
“That jumpstart is different for everyone,” Kimball says. “The key is figuring out what’s already happening in your routine and making small adjustments from there.”
Kimball recommends starting with an honest look at your current habits; both food and movement. If sugar is your Achilles’ heel, she says cutting back there may be your biggest win.
If you’re already active, she suggests adding just five to ten minutes to each workout.
“Those small changes add up,” she says. “You don’t have to do everything at once.”
She also cautions against being too hard on yourself, noting that progress doesn’t have to feel like punishment. In fact, rewards can be just as effective.
“If you cut out a nighttime snack, plan to replace it with something healthier that you actually enjoy,” Kimball says. “It should feel like a win, not a loss.”
Above all, Kimball says there’s no bad time to start prioritizing your health, even if the calendar says January second.
“It’s always a great time to start being healthy,” she says. “What matters most is staying consistent and finding changes you can actually stick with.”