Resolutions within your reach

Losing 20 pounds is no easy feat.

Committing to control the family budget with more poise than Ana Pavlovic? Again, not so easy.

We wanted some resolutions we’d be likely to stick to, and that would actually make life better. So we consulted some pros for hints toward financial, nutritional, physical and spiritual happiness.

Your Body

Drink plenty water. Diane Groom, registered dietitian at OLOL, says small changes in diet can produce results. “Buying yogurt with probiotics increases fiber intake with no effort. Also, increasing water consumption aids in weight loss and overall hydration.”

Exercise smarter. Mike Cox, owner of Xtreme Nutrition, says taking a fresh approach to a fitness regimen makes a big difference. “Change up your style of training. Hire a trainer for a short period or take diverse classes at the gym,” Cox says.

Your Wallet

Write down your plans. Rolfe Miller, managing director at Morgan Keegan, says invest with a purpose and keep track of the finances. “Take control by developing a written investment plan that is based upon your goals and needs. Use this as a foundation in your financial decisions, and update the plan to reflect changes in your circumstances.”

Your Soul

Smell the roses. Chris Andrews, pastor of First United Methodist Church, says you won’t find the path to inner peace in the left-hand lane. “Slow down,” he suggests. “Deliberately cultivate the habit of going slower through life, looking more intensely at what is in your world, really seeing the people you have contact with, really listening to what is said in conversations. Slow down—speed kills!”

The Not So Big Life by Sarah Susanah will get you going at the right pace. “Resolve to read and use this book in the New Year,” Andrews says, “and start living with intention rather than reaction.”