Sticking to Your New Year's Resolution

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The clock strikes midnight on December 31 and one of the number one New Year’s resolutions heard by many is, “This year, I am finally going to lose weight!” I too was once one of those people and at least once a year I re-evaluate my fitness regimen. I achieved my initial goal of losing 175 lbs. But, each year most people quit only three weeks into the New Year. The key to success is to set realistic goals and mini-goals. If your goal is 10, 20, 50, 100 or in my case 175lbs, you first have to lose one and take it one day at a time. Remember, do not be overwhelmed and also take it one pound at a time.

Be realistic about what you’re trying to do. I kept my control by establishing a cheat meal one day a week. It is unrealistic to say that you’re never going to eat your favorite foods again. I am not saying you should keep your favorite foods on hand in the house, but for that cheat meal go out and have a small ice cream cone or another SMALL indulgence of your liking.

Make sure you have a solid game plan in place to avoid temptation. Practice what you’re going to say when someone offers you a piece of cake or a caloric martini at a dinner party. There are going to be many friends and family members who want to veer you off track. They may not do it intentionally, but they like you the way you are and may be a little intimidated by change. Make sure you establish a support system or team ahead of time to cheer you towards success. Be firm but nice when you refuse their offerings. They’ll be envious of your willpower and probably jump on the bandwagon with you.

Do not keep your goal a secret. Make sure you establish a support system or team ahead of time to cheer you towards success. You also want to make sure you remain accountable to your goals and stay on your path. A support system will keep you in check. Willpower alone will not get you to your goal. If you want long-term success, that requires planning and discipline to achieve your goal. You still want to find ways to motivate yourself every day. Tracking your progress will also keep you on and sure you reward yourself with non-food treats when you reach your mini goals.

Joanne Sgro 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 fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.