Forget groundhog day, January the first is the beginning of groundhog year, with almost half (44%) saying they are setting a new year's resolution they've tried before. What's more, a quarter (25%) set the same goal in 2022.
The top resolutions for 2023 according to new research from number one global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal are exercising to lose weight (50%) and saving money (50%). With eating more healthily (41%), exercising to lose fat and gain muscle (22%) and spending more time with friends and family (26%), completing the top five.
With Aussies setting firm health goals for 2023, it's not the intention but rather the approach that needs to be freshened up to avoid rebounding resolutions, says dietitian Susie Burrell who also holds a Master's of Coaching Psychology. "Returning to failed resolutions is a recipe for disappointment, unless you have a new plan.
"Resolutions often require dramatic changes in lifestyle like quitting certain foods completely, or committing to unrealistic targets. Rather than try to force these changes, it's better to gradually build habits that move you toward your goal, while gradually breaking the habits that are holding you back," Susie adds.
The biggest diet resolution killers for Australians were pizza (39%), cheeseburgers with chips (37%), ice cream (31%) , pastries (31%) and cheese (20%). Surprisingly alcohol fell outside the top five, with wine (19%) in at number six and cocktails (17%) 9th in the list.
Attempting the same resolutions every year may explain why the average Australian reports having tried almost 12 (11.7) diets. Unfortunately, two thirds (66%) of respondents describe themselves as yo-yo dieters, while over half (52%) also reported gaining weight even when sticking to an eating plan.
Encouragingly, the data shows that the vast majority (96%) of Australians believe that avoiding crash diets is important and people should try to make more long-term changes to their diet and lifestyle.
"The best path to improving your wellbeing is consistency. Yo-yo dieting and sudden bursts of exercise can fuel an 'all or nothing' mindset By making small changes, or habits that add up over time to give yourself the best chance to build up to the goals you want to achieve for life, in a sustainable way," adds Susie.
To help Aussies build new healthier habits for 2023, MyFitnesspal is launching its Jumpstart Your Health programme on 1st January to help coach users through the first 14 days of the year. The program can be started anytime and is based on habits that work, after the brand asked its 200 million users worldwide for their best health hacks. The result is a mix of tips and tricks, healthy recipes and workouts from health experts, as well as access to the app's community of like minded people, who will help keep each other on track for wellbeing success.
"Having a plan and a supportive community that can support your health journey will help keep new year's resolutions become a long-term success," adds Susie.
