We are two weeks into the New Year. Likely one or all of our New Year’s Resolutions have been broken. No need to fret. The South Shore Press is here to help. We reached out to leading Suffolk County experts in physical fitness, nutrition, and smoking cessation to help you continue sticking to those resolutions.
LOSING WEIGHT
We turned to two physical fitness experts to help. Phoenix Fitness LI Founder Gary D’Angelo and Unique Fitness Regional Manager Ryan Smith:
South Shore Press: What is the best advice for losing weight?
Smith: At Unique Fitness, we believe in a holistic approach to weight loss. Beyond just physical activity, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes is crucial. Encouraging a combination of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest will contribute to long-term success.
SSP: Why are long-term goals important?
D’Angelo: It promotes sustainable results, encourages healthy habits, fosters a positive mindset, improves overall health, and provides long-lasting motivation. It allows for gradual and lasting changes that can be maintained for a lifetime.
SSP: Any encouraging words?
Smith: Focus on progress, not perfection. Every step brings you closer to your goals. Surround yourself with a supportive community, whether it's friends at the gym or loved ones at home. Setbacks are a natural part of the process. Stay consistent, stay positive, and you'll see the positive changes over time.
D’Angelo: Change takes time and effort, but the results are worth it. Stay committed, stay positive, and believe in yourself. You are capable of achieving your goals, and with perseverance and determination, you will see progress.
EATING RIGHT
Going to the gym is meaningless if you’re not eating right. The South Shore Press turned to “Nutrition Counseling by Heather Angelillo” RD, CDN, CDE, a leading nutrition counseling expert, for advice:
SSP: What is the best advice for folks who are trying to eat better?
Angelillo: Cut back on processed foods and replace with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Focus on incorporating 1 - 2 small changes per week.
SSP: What is the benefit of focusing on long term goals?
Angelillo: Quick fix solutions tend to promote dramatic changes that are often not sustainable. They could actually cause health issues as well. Create a plan for yourself, write down your long-term goals and breakdown what your short-term goals will be.
SSP: What encouraging words would you offer to stick with it?
Angelillo: Remember your “why?” What was the reason they wanted to make lifestyle changes in the first place? Ask yourself “where do you see yourself in five years if you don’t make lifestyle changes?”
SSP: What are the long-term benefits of eating well?
Angelillo: You will feel better mentally and physically. It will reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It will help to prevent chronic disease's such as Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, and Osteoporosis. It will help with gastrointestinal function.
A Registered Dietitian can provide personalized nutrition guidance based on your health goals, dietary preferences, and medical conditions. Oftentimes their services are covered by medical insurance plans.
KICKING THE HABIT
Stopping smoking is one of the hardest resolutions to stick to. We found two top-notch experts to help you kick the habit for good. Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Office of Health Education Director of Prevention, Education and Training John T. Martin and American Lung Association Community Engagement Specialist Paulette Orlando:
SSP: What is the best advice for folks who are trying to quit smoking?
Orlando: It’s normal to take multiple attempts to quit to be successful. Continue the process. Don’t give up. A small slip doesn’t mean you fail for good. Build a support system to help you quit.
SSP: Why is it important to set long-term goals rather than "quick fixes?"
Martin: Nicotine addiction does not happen overnight. Defeating it takes time and effort. Addiction is multifactorial, and has physical, psychological and social components. Each of these must be addressed to successfully quit smoking. It is very important to have a plan, not just for how and when to quit, but also for how to handle nicotine cravings in stressful or difficult situations.
SSP: If folks are ready to give up already, what encouraging words would you offer to stick with it?
Martin: Quitting smoking is the single most important thing a person can do for their health. It can add years to your life, and substantially increase your quality of life. It is important to remember that even though quitting is hard, many people have done it successfully, and help is always available.
Orlando: Avoid triggers that compel you to smoke. If you wake up and smoke with coffee, your coffee could be a trigger. Changing behaviors will help. Track and manage your triggers. There’s also FDA approved cessation medications. Vaping is not FDA approved.