This year I want to....stop making resolutions!

Happy 2011! So you survived the holidays and now you can't stop beating yourself up for all of the treats you ate. But it's ok, because now it's the new year, fresh start right? Time to say "this year my new years resolution is to lose weight!


If that has been the conversation you've been having with yourself every January 1st, perhaps it's time to realize it's not about calling it a new years resolution and more about making real lifestyle changes. Don't feel bad Losing weight is not only a popular New Year's resolution; it's a much-coveted goal many of us set several times throughout the year after failing time and time again which is why you need to set attainable, realistic, smart goals!


Instead of saying "I want to lose 60 lbs in 6 months" when you have not done any form of exercise for years and live off of food that comes in boxes, why not start smaller. Start by incorporating real foods into your diet a few times per week and before you know it your body will be thanking you. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, even if it's just one flight to start.


Here are a few other examples of mini-goals you may want to set for yourself:

• Drink enough water every day. On average women need nine cups per day and men require 12 cups per day.

• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. On average women should aim for seven to eight servings and men should strive for 10 servings.

• Switch from drinking calorie containing beverages to water with a splash of lemon, caffeine free herbal teas or ice tea made with herbal tea.

• Eliminate fried foods.

• Substitute high sugar convenience snack foods with fruits and veggies dipped in hummus or nuts and seeds.

• Bring a healthy brown bag lunch to work instead of splurging on high-fat, high calorie take-out foods.

• Go for a 30 minute walk during your lunch breaks.

• Use a pedometer to keep track of the number of steps you take and challenge yourself to take a few extra steps every day.

• Sneak in extra exercise by parking further from your destination.

The bottom line is that it all comes down to attitude, there's no easy way to lose weight. If you want to take off the pounds for good you have to exercise and eat properly. You have to commit to a healthy lifestyle day in and day out, does that mean you can never have another glass of wine or munch on a bag of peanut m&m's, no. It just means you have to be aware how much you do it, it can't be an everyday thing.