A New Year signifies a fresh start and many of us resolve to work towards new goals and habits. To achieve lasting change, it becomes important to set goals that are simple and manageable. Simple goals are not necessarily easy but they are challenging while remaining attainable. One approach can be to create and work towards goals you can achieve as a family. This way, it becomes possible to create a supportive atmosphere and it’s always helpful to have others holding you accountable. Here are three family-oriented goals you can work towards this New Year: 

1. Eating healthier meals together: It can be difficult to make large changes to your diet, which is why it’s important to take baby steps. Start by adding one serving of a vegetable or fruit to your lunch. Be open to trying new grains like quinoa for dinner or steel cut oats for breakfast. Switch out your sugar-sweetened beverages for herbal teas instead. When you work towards these goals as a family, it becomes easier to create lasting change.
   
2. Regularly exercise together: When most people picture exercise, they often think of buying a membership to their local gym and going every day, whether they feel like it or not. The important thing to remember is that for an exercise regimen to be sustainable, it needs to be something you enjoy. One of the best ways to make exercise fun and enjoyable is finding activities you can do as a family. You can start with something as simple as going for a walk together, enjoying a family swim at your local community centre or skating in the winter months. Whatever you choose, ensure that it’s an activity that everyone in the family can enthusiastically participate in.
   
3. Start a family tradition/ritual: We all want to spend more time with our family and it can become hard when life is hectic. This is why setting aside weekly “family time” can be very useful! Start with something easy like a regular family movie/game night or trying a new restaurant together. Start with something small and manageable and then build on it. You’ll find this time to be very valuable for touching base with your loved ones and strengthening your family ties, which is crucial in maintaining good health, too!  

Author: Dr. Sukriti Bhardwaj, ND, Naturopathic Resident

CCNM Integrative Cancer Centre