I put together a list of 36 New Year resolutions that have nothing to do with weight loss because they are needed in our weight-obsessed world.

[Editor’s note: This post was originally published on December 31, 2015. It was updated and re-published on December 31, 2023.]

First, let me be very clear.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting and/or needing to lose weight.

The holidays “set you back” 

One thing I RARELY talk about anymore is weight.

And that’s because, after battling SIBO for over 4 years (multiple relapses), I am confident that the root to my SIBO evils were:

• Years of chronic dieting that lead to
• Low stomach acid and enzyme levels and then
• Deeply rooted stress and anxiety that I never admitted to having

The threesome got me sick and then kept me sick.

Today I’m 100% healed + ZERO relapses in 5+ years.

AND ALSO, my weight FINALLY went down to the place it always desired to be at….without dieting or hours at the gym or anything else.

I live a NORMAL life (hello — I just ate all the things during the holidays and didn’t gain an ounce!), and ONCE YOU HEAL your weight will normalize, too.

This is known as the Set Point Theory; Gut Healing: ELEVATED will get you there!

In fact, I have helped clients lose weight, even 13+ pounds of weight.

But I would say that for the majority of women I know and work with it’s not weight – real weight – they need to lose.

The weight that needs to be lost is either bloat weight (usually from inflammation) or the weight of unrealistic expectations (or both). (I’d argue that the latter is worse.)

I have been smaller and I have been larger.

What I know for certain is that I was never happier than I am now, healing my gut and living without restriction and obsession.

I believe that with a little help, a mind shift and the desire, this next year can be the same for you, too. 

36 New Year Resolutions that Have Nothing to Do with Weight Loss

Click HERE to save these 36 New Year resolutions that have nothing to do with weight loss for later.

Learn a new skill

It could be anything from playing the piano to creative writing; even hip-hop dancing or sewing.

You are never too old to learn and master a new skill.

Or, maybe you want to learn the Gutsy way of cooking?! Home-cooking is a true power!

HERE is some help to get you started.

Take a new fitness class or try a new workout

Never tried yoga?

Always wanted to Salsa dance?

Considering lifting weights for the first time?

Try something new.

I’m doing something new for the first time in 2024. I’m doing a pushup + rucking challenge, which you can learn more about HERE.

Want to keep it minimal? Here are three 29-minute workouts.

Make a Master List

Try something like 105 in 1,095.

This one is extra special for all you ladies who love a good list as I do. 

p.s. I feel like I want to set a new one of these. Anyone with me?!

Start a business

Have you had an idea lingering, but have not taken that leap?

If you have the time and desire, just start. HERE are some ideas.

Conquer a fear

Fear gets us every. single. time.

I lived in California for 11 years, and during my time there I was obsessed with the mountains and trails — and running. BUT, I refused to do trail runs out of my massive fear for seeing snakes while running.

And then, finally, in 2017, I looked fear right in the face, signed up for my first trail race, and never looked back.

We moved back to Minnesota shortly after, and I will forever regret not starting sooner.

Do less

In a society that teaches, preaches, and values more, be a rebel.

Do less.

Become a Health Coach

Take your passion for real health, get some education under your belt and then seek out to help others.

I went to The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and you can learn all about it via Institute for Integrative Nutrition FAQ. 

Bonus: by using THIS link, you’ll save 20% off enrollment of either/both the IIN/Chopra courses. (Or you can use my custom code: SARAHHOFFMAN20 at checkout.)

Start a profitable online health coaching business

Are you currently attending a health coaching program and/or will you be finishing soon but are still unclear about your direction?

Consider an online health coaching business.

In fact, I have created a course to help get you started today. Check it out HERE.

Invite people over to your house more often, even if it’s messy and not perfect

Ladies, just do it.

This is one on my personal list for this year.

Heal your gut

Guess what? In case I haven’t said it five million times already, all diseases begin in the gut.

Even if you think you aren’t sick and/or have been diagnosed with IBS/IBD, something might very well be manifesting without you even knowing it.

A happy, healthy gut is the key to ultimate vibrancy, energy, and wellness.

This I know for sure.

Heal your gut. Heal your life.

Organize

Clutter creates chaos, and I am going to focus heavily on this this upcoming year.

Without all the extra clutter in an unorganized environment, you’ll find that stress levels naturally decrease. (Tip: Maybe start with the pantry organization?)

Do the same with your online life

Clean through all files.

Remove yourself from email lists and blog subscriptions which no longer provide you value.

Unfollow and unfriend draining pages and people.

Make peace with someone

HOLY WOW! I did this, and focused here HARD during the last 2 years….and guess what? It’s totally been worth it.

BTW – sometimes you do this for your own peace. And that’s worth its weight in gold.

Switch to grass-fed meat

In fact, take it a step further and switch to grass-finished meat when at all possible.

If you can find something local, do that. Otherwise, HERE is the best grass fed beef (+other meats) you can find online.

Value experiences, not things

I set a goal to travel more in 2024….with various people in various settings.

So, the following have already been set and planned:

• Sedona (again!) then Phoenix in February, 2024 with Kayla
• Wisconsin Dells in March, 2024 with my family, brother and sister-in-law (+ their two littles) and my mom
• Roatan, Honduras in April, 2024 with my family – yes, even all the littles and I cannot wait
• Costa Rica in November, 2024 with the A Gutsy Girl community — that’s YOU!!! (a healing retreat)

I believe travel is a key piece to ELEVATING our lives.

Do not step on the scale. 

Actually, there is almost NO reason to use the scale.

It tells you how much you weight and nothing else.

In fact, if you have my gut healing journaling SYSTEM, Ahara Dinacharya, you know that there is only one spot for weight tracking and that is Day 1. Since it’s just ONE measurement, and one I’m not interested in having anyone become obsessed with.

Attend an event or conference

Is there one you’ve always wanted to attend to learn more about a topic you’re interested in?

Do it this year.

Create a routine

I’m not saying you have to abide by it 24/7, 365 days a year, but research shows that those who have a routine and create consistency with their lives are more successful with whatever they are trying to achieve.

Try adult coloring

No, seriously. Try it.

My latest (and greatest) coloring book is a “succulent-themed” one. And it just makes me so happy (+ calms my nervous system.)

Spend at least 30 minutes each day for you

And you know what? This could be as simple as just sitting in silence, reading a book, or calling a friend.

Self-care doesn’t have to be spa-care.

Though, you can participate in spa-like care at home.

Save money

Just save it.

I have to remind myself of this all the time.

No, no I do not need that fancy coffee.

But yes, yes if I save more, I can travel more!

Get rid of as many plastic containers as possible

I love Weck Glass Jars.

And shopping all the things at Grove Collective.

Pick up one new food item each time you go to the grocery store

Remember, eat more and a variety vs. less and stringent.

Tell people you love, “I love you” more often

Man, if I could just go back for one more day with my dad and say it.

Complain less, act more

I am empowering you to take charge, darling. 

I’m obsessed with these words….and I want you to feed them into your life today, too:

Action creates consistency.

Consistency creates results.

Results create growth.

– just me

Show gratitude more often

The art of practicing gratitude can change you life.

If you want some extra help in practicing gratitude, each day of the Ahara Dinacharya journal gives you space to write a one-liner for gratitude.

I never miss it.

Go on a girl’s only trip or a trip all by yourself

Ahem — let this be — Costa Rica with me because you’ll get to enjoy as much time on your own, as needed.

Review all your current subscriptions

Then, cancel those that are no longer beneficial.

Cable?

“Fitness” magazines?

Apps?

Complete your holiday shopping by mid-December

I finally achieved this in 2023 and let me tell you – so. much. less. stress.

If you’re reading this at the end of the year, preparing for the new year ahead, this one seems so far off. So just jot it down in your yearly planner as an item starting in November!

Sleep more

Just make it a priority.

(Bonus: Sleep is good for gut healing.)

Journal

I’ve already mentioned journaling several times in this article.

But I swear by it.

There are so many ways to journal. I’ve written about journaling at length on this website, so you can learn anything desired HERE.

Date night

Married? With children?

It’s going to be hard, but put “date night” on your calendar for once per month, no exceptions.

But maybe this is exactly what you need.

Buy clothes that fit

Rock what you are and who you are.

Remember: those who matter don’t care, and those who don’t don’t matter.

p.s. HERE are 9 ideas of what to wear when you’re bloated.

Write hand-written letters

Send them via snail mail. Surprise people.

It’s an art that’s almost ancient at this point.

Update your makeup, skin and body care products

Say goodbye to the never list and hello to all of this! 

Stop Googling your symptoms

Start getting the tests you need in order to make the changes you’ll actually be required to make.

Whew.

How does it feel to finish that list? 

Exciting, right?!

What would you add?!

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

1. One Minute Goal Setting (The January Project for your gut healing journey)
2. How to Reduce Your Bloat Today
3. New Year Goal Setting Worksheet (for Gut Healing)

Xox,
SKH