Whether you’re a goal crusher, resolutions writer or slay-the-day’er, chances are you spend part of the year contemplating new goals. Am I right? Healthier habits and improved mindfulness are just two ways to live your best (or at least a “better”) life.

After contemplating some of the most popular resolutions, I decided to take 3 of them and turn them into long-term, life-enhancing goals that will last much longer than the latest fad diet or your willpower to avoid chocolate.

Lose weight.

Previous Mindset: Reduce the amount of food you eat. Don’t pay any attention to the source or quality of the calories you consume. Wake up at 5am every day to go for a run, despite how much you hate running. Pretend you’re not hangry.

Year-round Resolution: Focus on the quality and quantity of food you consume. It’s ok to have a cookie or a bowl of ice cream – just make sure that’s not a daily routine. Curious to try a new diet? If you rely on someone else’s definition of “healthy eating,” you may end up frustrated and fed up. Instead of following a set of “rules” that tell you what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat, consider creating your own diet. Rather than relying on a list of “good” food and “bad” foods, set attainable goals such as the following.

• Consume 8 glasses of water per day
• Try a new recipe once a week
• Eat 3 servings of veggies a day instead of 0
• Replace your regular pop with diet/calorie-free pop

Sure, there’s a diet out there that requires 8 servings of veggies a day. Another diet restricts ANY kind of pop. Focus on the progress you’re making instead of trying to achieve perfection.

When creating a nutrition plan, I always recommend prioritizing carb sources such as veggies and fruits, along with protein. Veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that will keep your body functioning at it’s best. They are also high in fiber which will help keep you full – meaning your cravings and appetite will be steady instead of shooting up and down. Vegetables are the first and primary ingredient in every Veggies Made Great product (one of the reasons I love them so much!).  Whether the vegetables that make up the product are hidden, like zucchini and carrots in the Double Chocolate Muffins, or the highlight of the product like kale and cauliflower in their Superfood Veggie Cakes, Veggies Made Great makes eating your veggies delicious. Healthy fats (from almond butter vs. fats found in a cupcake) will help keep you full and improves nutrient absorption. Avoid processed carb sources such as crackers, candy and sugary cereals that contain few vitamins and minerals.

Another crucial component of weight loss is activity. Notice I didn’t say exercise, boot camp, running, gym workouts or anything else that may keep you on the couch in your comfy clothes. Consider increasing your activity level by walking 30 minutes a day. Don’t want to leave the house? Try my FREE Do Anywhere Workouts and burn calories at home, no equipment required! The key is to move more, doing activities that you enjoy. A fitness program should be attainable and sustainable.

Spend more time with family and friends.

Previous Mindset: Schedule an activity for every day of the week so we can do fun things together. Eat meals out to save time cooking and treat yourself to chef-prepared food. Go out for drinks with friends every weekend.

Year-round Resolution: As parents, it’s often our intention to provide our children with a variety of experiences – ranging from dance class to soccer to piano lessons. However, combine that with a full-time job, grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and time with friends, an overbooked schedule leaves little time for anything else. Instead of adding things to your schedule, consider making the existing moments more special. Cook together. Read books as a family. Walk to the local farmers market. Go screen-less for an entire day.

Spend less money.

Previous Mindset: It’s on sale, so I’m going to buy it. The neighbors have a new mower and we need one too. I can’t go to the gym unless I’m in the most expensive workout attire. I want my kids to have the best of everything. We haven’t taken a vacation in 4 years; we’re going to Disney! You only live once.

Year-Round Resolution: We’re all trying to save money, right? So rather than come up with excuses to spend, create a budget and one that you can stick with. Here are some budget apps that can help you manage your spending and start saving.

If you’re consistently spending twice as much money at Target as you had planned to, it’s time to evaluate needs vs. wants. Keep in mind, the more “things” you have, the more there is to clean and take care of. “This is amazing” becomes “where do I put this?” and “what do I do with this?”

Once you’ve narrowed down your wish-lists and made them more realistic, consider shopping your favorite brands’ websites for coupons (check out this one from Veggies Made Great!) and discount codes. Buying healthy foods doesn’t have to be expensive. Saving money, even a dollar at a time, can keep you in a conscious mindset that will prevent overspending and mindless shopping. Just as it’s important to be mindful with your diet and nutrition habits, so it is with your spending.

Be smart with your money, just like you are with your time. Ask yourself, “does this add value to my life?” Make physical space and create time for what matters the most and contributes to your best life.