How To Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

There’s something about the New Year that evokes a renewed optimism when it comes to losing weight and improving health. Our desire and enthusiasm takes over and we are certain that our New Year’s resolutions will totally work out this time. Never mind the fact that we abandoned last year’s resolution by Valentine’s Day. And the year before that (and the year before that) was no different. Sound familiar?

But what if this year really could be different? It can; and you have the power to make it different.

Start out by doing some real soul searching and figure out why losing weight and improving your health is so important to you. If you can come up with just one reason that really (really!) matters, you are much more likely to stay committed. For example, if you want to lose weight and improve your health so you can live long enough to see your grandchildren grow up, consider why this is important to you. If your reason is meaningful enough to truly inspire change, you will be on your way to awesome success.

The next step is to come up with a plan that focuses on small goals along the way rather than just the big outcome. If you make choices every day, week after week, that are consistent with your resolution, you just might find it actually happens this year.

Make sure that your short-term (daily and weekly) goals are setting you up for success - not failure. Don't be overzealous and ask too much of yourself. If you do this, you'll be starting down an unsustainable and unhealthy path. Use these tips to help you establish heathy, realistic, step-by-step goals.

Unrealistic Goals:

Make sure that unsustainable goals such as these are NOT part of your plan...

• Go to the gym every day and exercise for an hour.

• Never go out to eat.

• No snacking or desserts.

• Follow a strict diet that eliminates entire food groups.

• Lose at least 5 lb. per week.

• Eat less than 1,000 calories per day.

Realistic Goals:

Your goals should be challenging and achievable.Look for realistic ways to improve your lifestyle, diet, and physical activity. Be careful not to set yourself up for failure. Start slowly and keep a steady pace.

Here are some examples of realistic goals…

• Aim to losing 1-2 pounds per month.

• Move more; walk and take the stairs whenever possible.

• Eat vegetables with lunch and dinner.

• Cook your meals and eat at home on most days.

• Bring lunch to work more often.

• Eat until you’re satisfied, not stuffed.