With New Year's resolution season around the corner, people are setting goals to be healthier in 2025.
Joanne Slavin, a professor in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and Katie Schuver, a lecturer in the College of Education and Human Development, provide expert commentary on effective goals for healthy eating and prioritizing strong movement.
Katie Schuver, Ph.D., LADC
“Jumpstart a healthier lifestyle by cutting down long periods of inactivity linked to health risks like obesity, diabetes, poor heart health, depression and low back pain. Making small, sustainable changes can have a big impact on your physical and mental health, setting the stage for a more active, energized year ahead.
“Try setting realistic goals to get active throughout the day: cut back on screen time, opt for stairs instead of elevators, park further away to increase steps, walk or stand whenever you’re on the phone. For those with desk jobs, switching to a standing desk or taking 5-10-minute movement breaks interrupts long hours of sitting. Socializing actively and using fitness apps, step trackers, and group sports or classes all help keep you motivated and accountable.
Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., RDN
“Many people make weight loss resolutions with a new magic potion, but that’s just not realistic. We know there are no shortcuts to healthy eating — moderation and variety continue to be hallmarks of good nutrition.
Diet trends can be helpful or hurtful to different folks, and we generally get in trouble when complete food groups are removed or overpromoted as magic bullets. High protein diets are harmful to people with kidney disease, but helpful for children during growth and development.
Build on the joys of eating we found over the holidays — make every eating occasion positive and build on your family structure, culture, budget and traditions. Humans have found a way to nourish themselves over the centuries and we should move away from the ‘nutrition elite’ and judgemental rules that can lead to eating disorders and food shaming.”
Joanne Slavin is a professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. She teaches Advanced Human Nutrition, a writing intensive class that covers food policy and human health. She owns the Slavin Sisters Farm LLC in Walworth, WI and is a member of the Sustainable Nutrition Scientific Board. She served on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in 2010 and works with industry, commodity groups and NGOs to promote food science, nutrition and agriculture.
Katie Schuver is a lecturer in Physical Activity and Health Promotion in the School of Kinesiology and serves as the lead graduate faculty for the Yoga Focus Area at the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. With a commitment to promoting mental and emotional health, Dr. Schuver is a licensed mental health provider and a certified yoga therapist. Her expertise lies in the assessment and support of individuals facing complex mental health challenges and substance use disorders, where she combines mindful movement, exercise, and yoga therapy to foster healing and resilience. Through her work, she empowers individuals to achieve holistic well-being by integrating physical activity with mental and emotional health strategies.
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About the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
The University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences strives to inspire minds, nourish people, and sustainably enhance the natural environment. CFANS has a legacy of innovation, bringing discoveries to life through science and educating the next generation of leaders. Every day, students, faculty, and researchers use science to address the grand challenges of the world today and in the future. CFANS offers an unparalleled expanse of experiential learning opportunities for students and the community, with 12 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across the state, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers. Learn more at cfans.umn.edu.
About the College of Education and Human Development
The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development strives to teach, advance research and engage with the community to increase opportunities for all individuals. As the third largest college on the Twin Cities campus, CEHD research and specialties focus on a range of challenges, including: educational equity, teaching and learning innovations, children’s mental health and development, family resilience, and healthy aging. Learn more at cehd.umn.edu.
About “Expert Alert”
University of Minnesota experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Find selected experts on the University’s Experts Guide or send requests to [email protected].
