Each year, millions of Americans set New Year’s resolutions that are likely to be long-forgotten by Valentine’s Day.

One of the most common goals for the new year is dieting to lose weight, and it’s no wonder. It seems everywhere you turn there are diets advertised that promise to make you “a better you” or “a new you.” However, a review of research published in the American Psychologist, the journal of the American Psychological Association, suggests that not only is dieting for weight loss futile — few maintain weight loss long term — but that it doesn’t necessarily make someone healthier. In fact, chronic dieting behaviors can lead to higher risks for developing eating disorders, body dissatisfaction and lifelong weight concerns. When our children see us pursue dieting for weight loss, we may be setting them up for unnecessary struggles of their own.

[See: 8 Resolutions Health Experts Want You to Make.]

Instead of dieting, we should focus on things we can change, such as behaviors that may lead to healthier lives. Although many believe weight is completely under our control, based on the oversimplified calories-in and calories-out way of thinking, it’s not as simple as basic math. Weight is not a behavior. Weight is a measure of gravity, not worth or health.

So this year, consider these non-diet family resolutions:
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[Read: 5 Health Resolutions That Will Actually Make Your Life Better.]

[See: What to Say and Do If Your Daughter Thinks She’s Fat.]

This year, we can resolve to embrace behaviors that can make us stronger, healthier and happier families, together. The benefits of these resolutions just may last a lifetime.

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5 Non-Dieting Resolutions Families Can Keep originally appeared on usnews.com