New years healthy toolkit.

Are you ready for your game plan for the new year? The first thing we think about when we think about our weight is our appearance. There are other factors that are equally important:

• Your overall quality of life;
• self-esteem;
• health risks;
• depression;
• and physical abilities are also influenced.

Think of all the positive changes you can experience by losing weight.

Ask yourself these questions before you begin:

• Why do you want to lose weight?
• Are you truly committed?
• Can you accept mistakes without giving up altogether?

To lose weight effectively, you will have to permanently change four aspects of your life:

1.) what you eat
2.) how you eat
3.) your behavior and
4.) your activity level.

Do not set your sights too high (like losing 30 pounds in a month). Small goals (e.g. 5 pounds; 10 percent of your current weight) are far more attainable and easier to stay focused on.

No matter which way you look at it, 3,500 calories cut is one pound lost. Whether you take in 500 fewer or burn 500 more calories a day, by the end of the week you’ll be one pound lighter!

You should ask yourself how long you can live this way. If you can’t imagine staying on a particular plan until you reach your goal weight, try something else.

The dangers of being overweight are real:

• diabetes,
• high blood pressure,
• cancer,
• and heart disease

You will need to see your doctor for a physical if you haven't had one recently and you really should get her approval before starting a weight loss regime.

Get ready for good days AND bad days.

• Your ultimate goal should be a realistic one. Some of us will never fit into that wedding or prom dress again. Our bodies change with time. Settle for a weight that is healthy for you now, not 15 years ago.
• Diets with too-severe restrictions like too few calories or entire food groups being omitted often lead to binges and uncontrollable cravings. Moderation is the key.
• Your weight will fluctuate from day to day. Resist the urge to weigh yourself on a daily basis, as doing so will discourage you. Weigh in the same time and day once a week.
• Bottom line: Losing weight isn't easy.

Hoping you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!