Tuesday, January 4, 2011

New Year's Resolution: Breaking It Down

It is now January 4th. How many have started to fizzle with their New Year’s Resolution of weight loss? How many have yet to begin their journey? A lot of people, right? Hey! I’m here to tell you that that’s OK!!

Why? Because the New Year’s Resolution was not clearly defined, too broad of goals. Goals should be specific and realistic. It is easy to get overwhelmed in the broad statement of “I want to lose weight this year.”

Break it down for weight loss success

1. What is a good healthy weight for me?
2. How many pounds could I realistically lose in a year?
3. How many pounds could I safely lose in one month?
4. How much exercise will I do each week?
5. What kind of foods will I be eating?
6. Who will be my support team?

Each one of us lives in the real world. We are not separated from our temptations. For most of us it is not realistic to expect to drop 10 or more pounds a week. Be happy with a pound or two. Each pound brings you that much closer to a new you! Richard Simmons has a five pound a month challenge, why not challenge yourself to the same? It is a good healthy amount to lose. Let’s do the math on this one. If you lose five pounds each month would mean you would be 60 pounds lighter by the New Year! 60 pounds!!! That is amazing!!!

You have to exercise to lose weight; you have to move that body. Taking a brisk 30 min walk per day is excellent. Also make exercise fun. If a gym is not right for you, look into trying something new like ZUMBA or give kettlebells a try. Pull out your old Richard Simmons’ video’s, those are always fun. Be sure to have a good balance of cardio and toning/weight training. Our bodies need both.

The foods you chose are equally critical. If you workout everyday but continue to eat the same unhealthy foods you will not see the results that you desire. You need to feed your body with nutrient rich foods, lean meats, fruits and veggies. Your body will thank you. Not only will it help you lose weight, but you’ll also have so much more energy.

Last but not least have support. No support at home, find a buddy online. There are plenty of good people on FaceBook who are on weight loss journeys, and of course there are weight loss programs you can join some of them cost money but others are free such as LiveFit Revolution. Let no one stop you from achieving your dreams.

You have that spark, the will, the desire. Otherwise you would have never made a weight loss New Year’s Resolution. Don’t let the spark go out. Stoke it; let that flame build inside of you. Watch the fat burn, and be amazed at the emotional transformation that will soon take place. You will be healthy, fit, and confident. You can do this.

"Don't ever let your enthusiasm go away-- let it only be contagious." ~Dr. Kristin Mowry

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