5 Health-Focused New Year’s Resolutions You Should NOT Be Making

If we weren't meant to indulge in sugary carbs once in a while, then doughnuts wouldn't have been invented. But if your resolution is food-focused, this is certainly the time to evaluate where you can cut back. Does every afternoon include a midday pick-me-up? Are you the last one to say no to a second helping? Is dessert a nightly ritual? Instead of saying goodbye to your favorite foods, plan on treating yourself once or twice a week.

Vowing to get your butt in the gym more is a great resolution! But you have to draw the line somewhere, especially if you're new to the whole fitness scene. This isn't to say that you shouldn't set the bar high (who doesn't love doing what others say they can't?), but it's important not to get in over your head. If you don't end up meeting your resolution, it could lead to frustration and, ultimately, not getting to the gym at all.

We know how it goes — it's December 31 and you still haven't decided on your resolution for the upcoming year. If your friend is planning on losing 10 pounds, then why shouldn't you hop on the bandwagon too? It may sound cheesy, but resolutions are meant to help you better yourself based on your own needs. And not to mention that you'll totally be unmotivated to get it done since it wasn't even what you really wanted in to first place. Try writing down the things you want most in life, then come up with attainable goals you can tackle in the next 365 days.

How many times have you said that you will go to the gym at least four times a week, only eat sweets on special occasions, and drop 40 pounds? Yeah, if only it was that easy. Last year's resolution isn't relevant anymore. Sure, you may still want to lose weight and get healthier, but you're at a different place than you were a month ago (much less a year ago)! Maybe in the past you wanted to cut time on your mile run, but now it's all about lifting with better form. Just because you didn't crush a goal in the past doesn't mean you can't reevaluate and go for what's right for you now.

Hold up — but isn't that what resolutions are all about? Hear us out! While we totally support New Year's resolutions, it might not be the best idea to start your journey on the most cliché day of the year. It can feel like you're doing it because you're supposed to, not because you want to. And if there's one thing we know, it's if you're not in the right mindset to get to your goals, it'll take you a whole lot longer to complete them. The solution? Well, you're reading this now, so take your resolution and start it. Right now!