The holidays are a time to indulge, and when New Year’s rolls around, the first resolution many people make is to get into shape. Rather than waiting until the last minute, start preparing now so you can dive right into your health care plan. Use the tips below to create a wellness plan that works for you as you begin the new year.

Post-Holiday Health Care Tips

1. Build a Plan Around Your Goals

Whether you want to lose weight, bulk up, or simply maintain your current physique, make a plan that you can stick to. The average adult needs 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, so even taking a brisk walk 30 minutes per day five days a week can make a big impact toward reaching your goal. If you aren’t used to exercising, it’s okay to start slow; overwhelming yourself in the beginning can lead to burnout, and you may be tempted to abandon your plan.

2. Have a Diet Plan Ready

Dieting takes strategy. Rather than loading up on healthy foods you don’t like, create a nutrition plan that includes delicious, healthy favorites. Make sure it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and that you’re abiding by dietary needs based on your goals. Research recipes and discuss tips with your health care professional so you start off on the right foot.

3. Schedule a Wellness Exam

Before putting your body through a change in diet and exercise, visit your medical provider for a wellness exam. During an exam, they’ll take a look at all of your vitals to ensure you’re healthy. Share with them all the information you’ve gathered about your fitness goals, and ask plenty of questions. They’ll be able to help you create a focused plan to help you achieve your goals more efficiently.

Do you need help getting your wellness plans on track? For over 20 years, residents of Anchorage, AK, have turned to Hillside Family Medicine for all their health care needs. Their skilled team of medical providers offers a wide scope of services ranging from men’s and women’s health to pediatric care and occupational medicine, all of which you can explore on their website. They’ll work closely with you to ensure you enjoy a healthy quality of life, so call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an exam. For more health care advice, connect on Facebook.