Nine New Year Resolutions You Should Avoid This Year

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many of us find ourselves full of hope and motivation. We promise ourselves that this will be our year — the year we finally lose those stubborn kilos, start exercising daily, quit junk food, and transform into our healthiest selves.

But come February, reality sets in. A few may be glowing with discipline and confidence, but most of us are left nursing post-holiday blues and reaching for that comforting slice of cake. Why does this happen? Why do only 1 in 10 people actually stick to their New Year goals?

The answer is simple — we often set the wrong resolutions.

Let’s look at the common mistakes we make, and how we can set ourselves up for realistic, sustainable success instead.

“I want to lose 10–20 kgs this year”This is a great long-term goal, but it can feel overwhelming. Break it into smaller, achievable monthly targets like “I’ll aim to lose 3–5 kgs this month.” Small wins boost motivation and keep you going.

“I’m going to try [insert fad diet]”Whether it’s keto, GM, or a juice cleanse — fad diets rarely work long term. Focus instead on making lifestyle changes that you can stick to. A balanced approach will always be more sustainable than a quick fix.

“I’m giving up [insert favourite food] completely”Eliminating your favorite food often leads to cravings and overeating. It’s better to enjoy all foods in moderation rather than cutting them out entirely. Balance is the key to success.

“I’ll stop eating out altogether”Swearing off restaurant meals might sound good on paper, but it’s not practical. Socialising is a part of life. Instead, eat a small snack before going out, or start your meal with soup or salad to avoid overeating.

“I’ll follow a low-calorie, all-salad diet”Drastically cutting calories might result in quick weight loss, but it’s rarely sustainable and can slow your metabolism. Instead, work with a dietician to develop a realistic and nutritious eating plan that suits your lifestyle.

“I’m going vegetarian to lose weight”While plant-based diets can be healthy, suddenly cutting out all non-veg options like eggs, fish, or chicken may lead to imbalanced meals. Make sure your vegetarian diet is rich in protein and not overloaded with carbs.

“I’ll cut calories by skipping meals”Skipping meals — especially breakfast — slows your metabolism and often leads to cravings later in the day. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of concentrating calories in one go.

“I won’t eat after 9 PM”There’s no magic hour after which your body stores food as fat. What matters more is what and how much you eat, not when. Just ensure there’s at least a 1.5-hour gap between your last meal and bedtime.

“I’ll start a rigorous exercise plan”Going all out at once can lead to fatigue or injuries. It’s more effective to build a consistent routine of moderate exercise — a mix of cardio and strength training done regularly yields better long-term results.

So, this year, skip the unrealistic promises. Focus on practical, achievable habits that build over time. That’s how you turn resolutions into real results.