According to USA.gov, losing weight once again tops the list as one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions. According to a recent Marist Poll most of those resolving to lose weight or vowing to make some sort of other resolution are younger. The good news for us ladies, according to the Marist Poll, is that women are slightly more likely than men to make a plan to change in the New Year.
The Marist Poll asks, “Is there a gender gap? Similar proportions of women which is 40 percent while those of men at 36 percent report they will make a New Year’s resolution in 2012.” For the more specific goal and resolution of losing weight, both women and men equal out at just under 20 percent.
As a trainer, I know that this time of year is the busiest for those who want to get fit and in the process lose weight. The Marist Poll agrees, “Weight loss is the top New Year’s resolution this year. Nearly one in five Americans are likely to make a resolution with 18 percent saying they want to drop a few pounds.” Exercise according to the Marist findings comes in at 11 percent.
I truly believe that if you want to be successful with your resolution to shed pounds, you need to start moving. Eating right and exercise go hand in hand with a plan. We need to fuel our body with the proper nutrients to make it through a workout, but first, you need to establish your goal and write it down.
You also want to be realistic on how long it would take you to get there. It is my experience that approximately one to two pounds a week helps you sustain your weight loss. To keep you motivated, you will also want to establish short-term goals.
I myself speak from experience and have maintained my nearly 200 pound weight loss for nearly a decade. Celebrating each milestone really helped me along the way.
You will want to figure out what your rewards will be for each mini-goal. My suggestion is that your reward be non-food related to keep you on track.
Celebrate those milestones with friends and a support system. Make sure you let those closest to you know how much this means to you so you they can motivate you along the way.
I also suggest seeking some professional help, especially if you are new to exercise. You may want to join a local health club where you can take advantage of both a trainer and a nutritionist.
Keep a journal of your activity and food choices. You want to be honest with yourself, so you can see if there are any habits or behaviors that are sabotaging your success. Remember above all, you are worth it and worth living a healthy, vibrant life!
References:
“Popular New Year’s Resolutions – USA.GOV.” United States Government Made Easy. Web 3 Jan. 2012.
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New-Years-Resolutions.shtml
“Younger Americans Twice as Likely to Make New Year’s Resolution than Older Residents – MaristPoll.Marist.Edu.” The Marist Poll for Public Opinion – Marist College. Web 3 Jan. 2012.
http://maristpoll.marist.edu/1229-younger-americans-twice-as-likely-to-make-new-years-resolution-than-older-residents
http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/usapolls/US111108/New%20Years/Complete%20December%2029,%202011%20USA%20Marist%20Poll%20Release%20and%20Tables.pdf
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed January 3, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith