The Word on Weightloss

Well, we’re a little over a month into 2010 and the big question is: have you kept that new year’s resolution to get healthy, fit and lose weight? If you answered “no,” that’s OK! Honesty is the best policy and it’s also the first step is admitting you’ve got to make a change. Here’s the thing: you can’t expect to see any changes if you don’t make a plan, set some attainable goals and really promise, I mean, really REALLY promise yourself to stick to your plan.

There's no time like the present to set up a weight loss plan to achieve your goal. First, take a step back and reflect on the past month. Did the month fly by and you successfully followed your diet and exercise plan? Or were there a lot of excuses as to why you couldn't go to the gym or squeeze in some fitness time?  We’re all busy, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your resolution to better health and fitness. Here are four tips to keep you on track and rolling full steam ahead toward your weight loss resolution:

1. Plan ahead
On Sunday I always think about the week ahead. What evenings do I have an event or dinner plans? What mornings do I have to be in work early for a meeting? Once you’ve sorted out your ‘have to’s’ you can easily sort out your ‘want to’s.’ How many days to I want to go to the gym this week? Get a calendar and write in your exercise days, whether it's the gym or meeting friends for a hike or walk. Chances are, that kenetic connection of writing down your plans will stick in your head when the excuses start cropping up. Your weight loss plan is as important a commitment as your early morning meeting; promise to stick to it!

2. Set limits
Losing weight is a comprehensive plan incorporating fitness, making time for the gym or other exercise as well as eating right and setting limits. Plan your week's menu including your sweets, treats and your happy hour cocktails in advance - and stick to your plan. Instead of having ice cream after dinner every night, limit yourself to once or twice a week; or watch what you eat and give yourself a "cheat" day - indulge only on that day as a reward for sticking to your weight loss plan. Use the same approach with those happy hour specials after work or a cookie break in the afternoon. Setting reasonable limits for yourself and incorporating those calories into your diet, means you don’t need to give up everything you enjoy.

3. Try something new
So you’re planning ahead and setting limits, but now you’re getting a little bored. Switch it up! Try something new! Next time you hit the gym, take a new class, try a new machine or work out to a new song on your iPod. Is it your "treat night" but you’re all out of your favorite ice cream or favorite indulgence? No problem! Try making non-fat pudding. Pick up a box of pudding mix, combine it with milk and let it sit. In about 30 minutes you’ll have a new kind of snack that’s lower in calories and still satisfied your sweet tooth. Toss some strawberries or blueberries over it for added nutrients and vitamins.

4. Visualize your new self
Yep, that’s right. Think about it – what do you want to look and feel like after you accomplish your weight loss resolution? Do you want to fit into your "skinny jeans"? Do you want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without breathing heavily? Take a moment and close your eyes. Visualize the new you at your healthy and fit resolution goal. How do you feel? How do you look? Where are you? What are you wearing? Stay there for a while and take it all in. Then, remember that moment and those feelings every time you want to skip your workout or have another cookie.

Keeping a resolution to get in shape and commit to a weight loss plan is no easy task. But stick to it, stay motivated by focusing on your goal. No one else is is going to make time for your resolution but you - so it’s time to decide. Is it worth working through the tough spots and sticking to your resolution? The answer is always, YES! Give it a shot. Try my four tips for the next month and report back. Did they work for you? Send me some examples of how you stuck to your weight loss plan, what diet tips you learned, how did you motivate yourself to workout?...and who knows, your ideas might help someone else stay on track! Good luck!