Nutritionists Share Their New Year’s Resolutions

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight and eat healthier. So what about nutritionists whose expertise is to eat healthy? I was curious to find out what type of resolutions they make. I asked 9 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) across the country to share their 2017 New Year’s resolutions, and it turns out even the food experts can always improve their healthy lifestyle in a variety of ways.

Preparing more meals at home

“While I eat healthy, nutritious meals and work out regularly, I often am so busy I don’t plan evening meals for my family. Then we end up going out or picking something up to eat at home. I need to do what I advise others: create menus on the weekend, make a grocery list and go shopping so all the ingredients you need are right there ready to go. It doesn’t have to be something long and involved. It can be simple, fresh, nutritious and taste good!”

Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD, Dallas-based nutrition communications consultant

Photographing food with a mobile phone

Separate screen time and meal time

“My #1 goal in eating is to be mindful and savor my food. In general, I do well, especially since I do not own a television. However, when I eat alone or eat out while traveling, I tend to use my phone or laptop at the table. As such, I plan to make desktop reminders for all my screens, encouraging me to put the screen away and focus on the deliciousness of my food.”

–Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, President, Nutrition for the Future, and Social Media Guru at School Meals That Rock.

Fresh fruit and vegetable background

481231644

Fresh fruit and vegetable background

Photo by: SerAlexVi ©SerAlexVi

SerAlexVi, SerAlexVi

Fresh fruit and vegetable background

Add color to every meal (and snacks too!)

“We aim to include colorful produce at lunch, dinner and our snacks. Since eating fruits and veggies is the best way to fight chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity as well as the common cold, we simply add berries or fruit to oatmeal and quinoa, greens to pastas, sandwiches and burritos, and mix a side of steamed veggies right into the sauce of whatever we eat for dinner.“

–The Nutrition Twins, Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT & Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, co-owners of The Nutrition Twins.

Blank cookbook and spices on wooden table

Blank cookbook and spices

Blank cookbook and spices on wooden table

Photo by: Alexander Raths

Alexander Raths

Blank cookbook and spices on wooden table

Cooking new dishes

“While 2016 was a big year professionally with the release of my book, my kitchen creativity took a back seat resulting in a lot of repeat dinners. Although each dinner was healthy, quick, and easy, after a while they got boring. My New Year’s resolution is to re-stock my spice rack and get back to trying and creating new recipes. My goal is to prepare one new meal each week, exposing my family to new flavors and hopefully finding new favorites that everyone enjoys.”

–Heather Mangier, RDN, author of Fueling Young Athletes and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Woman doing yoga to exercise video

78484275

Woman doing yoga to exercise video

Photo by: Comstock

Comstock

Woman doing yoga to exercise video

Establishing calm every morning

“In 2017, I want to spend at least 15 minutes practicing yoga each morning. Since I work from home, I plan on setting up a yoga spot right in the living room to remind me to spend a little time stretching and breathing every day. My hope is that establishing this positive and calming morning routine will help me remain more mindful and energized throughout the entire day.”

–Stephanie McKercher RDN, dietitian and blogger at The Grateful Grazer.

Finding fitness classes I love

“I struggled in 2016 with finding a type of physical activity that fits into my busy schedule and that I enjoy! I found myself slogging to the gym and ended up making it a low priority. Being active is such an important aspect to health and wellness that my resolution this year is to find a way to be active on a regular basis that I love and look forward to. I’m starting 2017 by experimenting with new gyms and classes until I find the right fit.”

–Ginger Hultin MS RDN CSO Seattle-based dietitian and owner of ChampagneNutrition

497907126

Photo by: Tolgataz ©Tolgataz

Tolgataz, Tolgataz

Focus on weight training

“My new year’s resolution is to up the free weights I use by 5 pounds each. Right now use 15 pound dumb bells for bicep curls, and I am hoping to get to 20 pounds by summer. I’m going to do this by focusing my heavy weight training 2-3 times per week (supervised by my trainer) with higher weights and lower reps to increase my strength.”

–Abbey Sharp, media registered dietitian and blogger at Abbey’s Kitchen

Photo by: Todd Patterson

Todd Patterson

Expanding fish preparation techniques

“Residing in the Pacific Northwest, one of my goals is to learn how to cook fish (like salmon) in various ways, so I want to sign up for a cooking class on fish preparation.”

–Angel Planells MS, RDN, CD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

Eating Mindfully

“Food and what to eat can be overstimulating and mind-consuming. I’m focusing on what I really love to eat, what I want to try, and savoring every bite. I’m hoping to achieve a more mindful perspective to my food choices and eating.”

-Jill Castle, MS, RDN, childhood nutrition expert and author

Related Links:

9 Ways to Get More Omega-3s in Your Diet

How Much Added Sugar Are You Really Eating?

10 Quick and Easy Fitness Foods

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

Next Up

Budget-Friendly Bites for New Year's Eve

Celebrate the new year with friends and family without breaking the bank.

Shop Amazon's New Year Sale Right Now

Find savings on small appliances, kitchen storage solutions and so much more.

The Best New Healthy Groceries of 2022, According to a Nutritionist

These are the products worth adding to your pantry now.

Why I Challenge Myself to Make a New Dumpling Every Lunar New Year

For me, keeping old traditions alive while creating new ones is what the holiday is all about.

The New Passover Recipe I Can't Wait to Share with My Bubbe

Cinnamon rolls have never been kosher for Passover, until now.

8 Fruit Gifts Worthy of Any Lunar New Year Spread

No celebration is complete without a stunning set of fruit.

New Year's Eve Decor Kits to Help You Celebrate in Style

Host a party guests will be talking about well into 2023!

Why Rice Pudding Is My Sweet Start to the New Year

Celebrate the Lebanese way with rice pudding or any other white-colored dish to symbolize positivity, prosperity and peace.

Sorry Starbucks Fans, There Will Be No New Holiday Drink This Year

But the chain will be bringing back plenty of fan favorites and a brand new holiday cup design.