Living Healthy: Why most New Year’s resolutions fail

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - New Year's resolutions may start strong, but for most people they don't last long. Every January, millions of people set New Year's resolutions, especially around health and wellness. But studies show nearly 80 to 90% of resolutions fail by mid-February, with February 12th earning the nickname Quitters Day. Experts say one major reason that resolutions fall apart is unrealistic expectations. Others give up after a setback, mistaking one bad day for a total failure.

"Most people give up, I guess New Year's resolutions sort of fail around mid-February because people try to change something maybe too drastically. They weren't small changes at first or they just didn't practice sort of that self-compassion that you need as you reach your health goals," said Natalie Romero, community health coach at Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Health professionals say the key to long-term success is starting small, like a 10-minute walk, adding one extra serving of vegetables a day, or going to bed just 15 minutes earlier. At Desert Oasis Healthcare, the focus is on personalized nutrition and wellness plans that work for real life, not one-size-fits-all resolutions.