We've all done it, year after year - make resolutions for ourselves, stick to it for a few months, days or sometimes just hours and become disappointed when we fail YET AGAIN! Why on earth do we do it to ourselves? The start of a new year or the arrival of spring or summer usually bring with them thoughts of rejuvenation, change and something better, and it seems like the perfect time to 'fix' our life. So, this time, instead of failing again, what can you do so that you stick to your resolutions?

Start with a reality check. For example, if losing weight and becoming more physically fit is your personal goal, realize that you didn't become overweight and out of shape in two weeks, so don't expect to be slim and fit in two weeks! Your excess pounds and poor muscle tone are the result of years of unhealthful eating and inactive habits, so a quick fix with radical changes to your eating and activity habits likely won't work. Some simple yet effective rules to follow, to help you stick to your resolutions, include:

• Keep it small and simple - small and simple changes are easier to achieve but make a HUGE difference. For example, a change from two 8 ounce glasses of homogenized milk every day to 2% milk will save you 8 grams of fat a day and 26,280 calories in a year which can result in a 7.5 pound weight loss from this one small and simple change! Wow! If you currently take the elevator to your 5th floor apartment 3 times a day, try taking the stairs instead. For the average adult, this extra 15 minutes of activity can burn up an additional 150 calories per day and can result in an approximate weight loss of 15 pounds in a year! These two small changes together can help you to lose you over 20 pounds in a year - not bad for a couple of small changes.

   

• "Unpair" unhealthy behaviors. For example, if you know that you overeat calorie rich foods when you watch television change one of the behaviors - either watch television for less time, or remove some or all of the calorie rich food from your sight.

   

• Proclaim your resolutions publicly and write them down. Writing down your resolutions on paper shows that you are serious about following through with them. Telling a friend or family member can also be helpful as they can be your cheerleaders, offering encouragement and putting you in circumstances that set you up for success instead of failure. For example, if your friends know you're really serious about improving your eating habits and becoming more physically fit, they may offer a night out playing sports followed by a light snack instead of suggesting a movie followed by a rich dessert and coffee.

STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTIONS!
Taking a reality check along with small, simple steps that you publicly proclaim can start you on the road to success!

Source: Canadian Health Network