A Resolution You Can Stick To

It’s inevitable. The New Year is here and everyone is making resolutions. What’s yours going to be?

I have a feeling that many of you out there are going to be making resolutions to lose weight. Am I right?

Before you set yourself up for a plan that seems foolproof but is destined to make you fail, here are a few tips that may help you make a plan you can actually stick to.

Tip Number One: You have to eat to lose weight

Sounds like a trick, right? Yes, it’s true that if you want to lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories. But that doesn’t mean that you need to starve yourself. Crash dieting will give you results, but in the long run, they will be results that you aren’t happy with. Crashing will cause you to be lethargic (which means you won’t want to workout) and you will most likely gain all your weight back with extra pounds on top of it. Try sticking to eating a few small meals a day every few hours. This will keep your metabolism up and give you the energy you need to get through those workouts that you should be doing.

Tip Number Two: A body in motion tends to stay in motion

It’s just a law of physics. Get moving! Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeing noticeable changes is not going to happen overnight. If you’re starting out for the first time in a while, take small steps to reach your goal. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Play with your pooch when you get home. Find a yoga or Pilates class. There are a million different things you can do to get your heart rate up and to get those calories burning. Find something that you like and do it.

Tip Number Three: Water, water everywhere

If you’re a fan of the hit TV shoe The Biggest Loser, you’ve probably heard the expression “don’t drink your calories.” This is great advice. Those empty calories will really catch up to you without even noticing. Try switching out those sodas and juices for some water. If water just doesn’t do it for you, try adding lemon or other citrus fruits for some added flavor. Not only is water a zero calorie beverage that you can drink all day long without the guilt, it is incredibly healthy and necessary for every all parts and systems of your body. And if you’re feeling the need for an alcoholic beverage, opt for clear liquor with a clear mixer. A vodka tonic is one of your best options when it comes to lower calorie alcoholic beverages.

Tip Number Four: You aren’t perfect

Try to remember that you are only human and you are going to fail. You’re going to mess up and blow it. When you do, get right back up and keep going. Fit in an extra workout. Substitute the next day’s burger for salad. Just keep going. You can do it!