New Years tends to be a time of transformation for people from all corners of the globe. As the calendar year moves forward yet again, we can’t help but reflect on both our successes and shortcomings from the previous year. We wonder how we might improve, and especially, what the new year may bring. As we work to reinvent ourselves and move toward our ultimate version of ourselves, we may be immediately inspired after the clock strikes midnight.

But what happens when our initial inspiration starts to wear off?

This is as good a time as ever to reflect on our resolutions and determine how we can keep the momentum up throughout the months to come. It’s common for the initial luster of a new resolution to wear off, even just days after a new resolution is made. Perhaps that’s why approximately 45% of people make resolutions, but only 1 in 4 of those that have made resolutions actually stick with them enough to achieve them to fruition. If you want to see how your resolutions stack up and learn some top tips to keep your resolutions, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are the Top 5 New Years Resolutions for 2015 according to Statistics Brain:

1. Lose Weight
2. Get Organized
3. Spend Less, Save More
4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5. Stay Fit & Healthy
6. Learn Something Exciting
7. Quit Smoking
8. Help Others in Their Dreams
9. Fall in Love
10. Spend More Time with Family

It’s more than likely that at least one of your resolutions made the above list. What’s more? 3 of the top 7 resolutions mentioned involve improving overall health, whether that’s related to fitness, weight loss or quitting smoking once and for all. If you’re looking to stick to your New Years resolution and improve your overall health, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled the following eight steps to help you stick to your health goals, and make the most out of 2016:

1. Start Fresh

Start a weight loss or wellness regime with an herbal detox that includes Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) to clean the liver and improve elimination of toxins.

2. Get Balanced

Balance your response to stress with herbs that are ‘adaptogenic’: a formula that contains Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), Holy basil (Oclmum sanctum) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). These herbs are beneficial for the immune and nervous systems and can help the body deal with stress, keeping you at your best.

3. Finally Quit Smoking

Supervised doses of Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata) eases nicotine withdrawals and can be very effective to assist in quitting, similar to nicotine patches or gums. If you aren’t quitting just yet, a healthy dose (1-2 grams) of Vitamin C daily can help curb the unwanted negative effects of cigarette smoking on the tissues by acting as an antioxidant.

4. Cut The Caffeine

What goes up must come down, the same can be said of the stimulating effects of caffeine. To avoid the late afternoon crash, replace a coffee with green or herbal teas. To achieve added benefit to the antioxidant effect use teas containing ginger, cardamom and/or peppermint to promote comfortable digestion after dinner. Teas that include Chamomile, Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Skullcap (Sculletaria laterifolia) are especially great before bed.

5. Get Better Sleep

Along with some herbal tea, sleep aids like Valerian (Valariana officinalis), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), L-theanine and Melatonin can improve the overall effectiveness of sleep.

6. Keep your Blood Sugar in Check by Easily Skipping Dessert

Mulberry (Morus alba) leaves have traditionally been used in China and Southern European traditions for their anti-hyperglycemic properties. The recommended dosage is typically 400 mg with each meal and may reduce the urge to go overboard on dessert foods after dinner.

7. Satisfaction with Every Healthy Meal

Fiber can easily be added to the diet with 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to increase satisfaction or you can cheat and use Konjac root (also sold as glucomannan). Its fibrous structure absorbs water and fills the stomach to achieve a feeling of fullness. Dosages vary, but is usually 2-3 large capsules with each meal,and plenty of water is recommended.

8. Curb the Cravings

Your body is smarter than you may realize! When we crave certain foods, it could be a result of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. For example, chocolate cravings can sometimes be due to an underlying magnesium deficiency. Try taking 150 mg of magnesium before hitting the vending machine. Though magnesium is quite safe, be careful as large dosages can act a diuretic!

Whether you’re setting a New Years resolution for the very first time, or are looking to improve upon last years’ success, it’s important to stick to your goals and assist yourself along the way. The tips mentioned here can help you whether you aim to de-stress, rest fully, lose weight, eat more nutritionally, or all of the above! The key to a long and happy life is good health and a little bit of determination.

By keeping these tips and your resolutions in mind, you’ll be sure to be the very best you in 2016, and well beyond. If you have any questions and would like to discuss an individualized health plan, please book an appointment, and we’ll get you on track! First-time patients get a free, 15-minute consultation.