Many people start off the New Year with a resolution, typically around some sort of self-improvement aspect that they have been meaning to do. It is very important to not just pick something because you know you need to do it even though you have absolutely no intention of actually doing it. We all know that we need to eat healthier and exercise more but we often fail in our resolutions because we don’t focus on how we are going to get there. Sometimes it is better for us if we can list specific things to give up rather than big aspirations that are often difficult to maintain. For example, it is easier to say that I am going to cut down on something such as soft drinks than to say I will not drink any more soft drinks. Also, we have to look at the other aspects of our lives that can affect our health. For example, if we are struggling with our finances, then we may need to focus on that area so that our mental state is better and we are not turning to food for solace. If you are considered healthy and fit, then maybe you need to focus on your organization skills because your mental health can affect many aspects of your overall health. So, when thinking of your New Year’s Resolution, come up with something that you want to do, something that is attainable, something specific and not broad, and something you can achieve to help your overall health.

On Tuesday, January 3^rd at 3 p.m., we have a virtual workshop on how to “Make Resolutions That Stick”. Every year, we start off the year with such high hopes reflecting on what happened or what we accomplished this past year and set goals for the New Year on ways that we can be or do better. Many of those resolutions focus on improving our health. But by March, those aspirations and goals are usually long-gone. Therefore, we want to provide some information, tips and ideas on how to make your health-related resolutions finally stick.

We are once again partnering with our Extension Agents across the district to host our monthly “Extension At Home” series. The first workshop will be on Thursday, January 5^th at 11 a.m. and will focus on physical activity. This workshop “A Body in Motion” will help you learn how to keep your body moving whether at home or at a fitness facility. Use these movements in order to keep your New Year’s Resolutions moving and improve your overall functional fitness!

Try the following recipe courtesy of the Med Instead of Meds program from NC State University at Med Instead of Meds. For more information on Food for Thought programs, check us out online at Facebook or email jennifer.brown@ncsu.edu

Yogurt Bark with Berries

– serves 5

1 ½ cups nonfat, Greek vanilla yogurt

1 cup berries (blueberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries)

¼ cup crunchy toppings: unsweetened coconut, chopped nuts, or granola

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread yogurt across the parchment paper to make a thin layer about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread berries and crunchy toppings across the top. Store in the freezer for at least 2 hours to set. Take out of the freezer. Use your hands or a sharp knife to break the yogurt bark into pieces. Store in a large airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information: 65 calories, 2 fat, 8g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, and 4g protein