Keeping Your New Year's Resolution

Are you one of the estimated 40% of Americans who made a New Year’s Resolution this year? Are you planning on being one of the 8% who actually achieves their goal this year? Here are a few tips to help achieve your weight loss goal during 2015.

First, make a reasonable goal for yourself. Deciding that you are going to lose 50 pounds in 3 months is unrealistic and unhealthy for most. It may even cause you to gain weight when you give up because you aren’t going to make it. Instead try 10 pounds in the next 3 months. That’s only 2-3 pounds a month, which, can be accomplished with just a few minor changes. Theses changes will now be part of your daily habit, and you will see the success, so the weight loss will continue.

Next try redoing your fridge, kitchen cabinets, and desk to nix the junk food. If you love cookies, crackers, and chips but are serious about getting healthy your best bet is just to get rid of them. Replace those treats with some healthier alternatives such as fruit, veggies, yogurt, or whole grain crackers. Also cutting out sugary drinks such as soda and replacing it with water will help flush out toxins, keep you fuller longer, and have a positive effect on your waistline.

Exercise also needs to be part of a weight loss and wellness goal. This is another area where reasonable goal setting is important. Many people will begin by doing a high intensity workout and intend on doing it everyday. This doesn’t work for several reasons, one of which is that if you have not exercised in a while your body will need time to adjust and starting out with an intensity that is too high for you may cause injury. So start simple and pay attention to what your body is telling you during the workout. Being tired, winded, and a little soreness is ok, but if you are in pain while exercising try something different.

Humans are social creatures, so be social during your exercise. Get a workout buddy, join a weight loss group, hire a trainer, or try group exercising. Having someone who is cheering you and holding you accountable will help keep you motivated and on track.

Lastly, if you fall off the wagon during your weight loss journey remember that it is ok to get back on. If you have a deliciously bad for you meal or miss a workout then just have a salad and go to Zumba the next day. You don’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t matter how you get there, just get there. Good Luck!!!

For more tips to creating a healthy and happy you in 2015 visit my blog/website http://bodykarmastudio.com/site/

Article and photo by Jessica Demers