New Year's resolutions are like a souffle - they go flat really fast. That's because they tend to be undoable or just unfortunate. We're sorry that Jose Conseco had to make "don't blow off another finger" his resolution this year, but we do applaud musician and producer Quincy Jones' resolution - if he goes about it right; he said he wants to: "lose 40 pounds" because "there are no 250-pound 80-year-olds." So here are our resolution-revision suggestions that will get you back on track to a healthier, happier 2015.
Change "I will lose weight quickly" to "I will eat a balanced diet." If you shortchange your body on calories and nutrients, your metabolism will slow to a no-weight-loss crawl. Go for veggies, fruits, 100 percent whole grains and lean protein. That one's for Quincy.
Change "I will work out hard daily" to "I'll get moderate exercise five days a week." Moderate exercise boosts immune strength; rest days help build muscle and prevent injury. But going flat out for more than 90 minutes day after day (especially without eating enough healthful foods) depresses the immune system.
Change "I'll stop drinking this month" to "I'll drink moderately." If you're not alcohol-dependent, don't set yourself up for bingeing once your ban is lifted! Moderate drinking (1 drink a day for women; 1-2 for men) is optimal for longevity.
And if you need more help making a health resolution you can stick with, check out the support and suggestions in "Why New Year's Resolutions Fail - and How to Succeed" at www.clevelandclinic.org.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.