Making a Resolution Increases Chance for Success

Studies do suggest that people who engage in common New Year’s resolutions, like losing weight, exercising more, stopping smoking, are many times more likely to succeed over those deciding to make lifestyle changes at other times of the year. Weight loss resolutions often include intense workouts, complicated cleansings, less than exciting meals, and open-ended statements about lifestyle changes. Avoid being overwhelmed and set a goal to lose one pound a week in January. Anyone who makes a resolution to lose weight needs to attach realistic goals like drinking only water with meals or eating three servings of vegetables a day. So, resolve to make changes that are easily measured and doable. The reality of it all is that the weight loss process doesn’t happen in a month or two. It takes time for your body to make permanent changes to support a new lifestyle and healthier eating habits.

• Identify Culprits for Overeating - Food cravings can lead to an overindulgence of food, usually the overeating of carbohydrate and fat-rich foods that often prove to be harmful for the person’s health.
• Avoid Foods with Added Sugars - Added sugar is obvious in candy and soft drinks, but it is often hidden processed meats, pre-packaged foods, ready-to-eat foods, and baked goods. If eating prepared foods check the Nutrition Facts Label.
• Include Extra Protein in Diet - Adding protein to your menus can provide a metabolic advantage and an appetite-reducing advantage making it easier to manage your weight.
• Eat More Fiber to Feel Full - While most carbohydrates break down into sugar, fiber isn’t digested and stays intact as it passes through your digestive system helping you stay full longer.
• Include Good Fats - Choose higher fat foods carefully and learn to recognize the right portion size for these foods. Moreover, fat makes foods taste good when correctly used in meal preparation.
• Limit Liquid Sugar Intake - Alcoholic beverages are metabolized to sugar, and cocktail mixes can contain large quantities of added sugars that boost total caloric intake.

Setting a target weight is a common first step in planning for a weight loss journey. Nonetheless, setting your sights on achieving short-term goals can help fuel your motivation. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, your long-term goals should be focused on living a healthier life. Adopting new eating habits and staying active is a smarter approach than targeting an exact number of pounds. A modest goal of 5 to 10 percent of your existing body weight is an excellent way to start your weight loss journey. That’s enough to improve important health markers and will provide a boost for attaining your New Year’s resolution. If you don’t have the time, resources, motivation, or determination to accomplish your goals, making a New Year’s resolution to lose weight is waste of time. Make sure the goals you set are relevant and attainable.