New Years Resolution Weight Loss- 5 Steps to Stick With It!

We all stuggle with sticking to our new years resolutions. Look around you next time you're at the gym- it's crowded with women on the cardio machines trying to 'get in shape' for the new year! In a few months, however, that will all change and people will slowly discontinue consistently going to the gym. We tend to lose motivation easily. Don't follow the norm of giving up on your new years resolution weight loss goals and beat that slump with these 5 simple steps.

1. Set a realistic and measurable goal. Don't just say, "my new years resolution is to lose weight". Make a solid goal that's realistic for your body and lifestyle factors as well as one that's measurable. That way you can keep track of your progress. An example of a measurable goal would be: 'I will walk for 30 minutes 3 days per week' or 'I will lose 5% body fat by March 1st, 2010'.

2. Visualize goals. Photos or items that represent the destination (old pictures, a vacation to take once the goal is reached, a "goal dress," or magazine clippings) pasted in places seen each day are extremely motivating. Put them on the fridge, in the closet, next to the bed. These should be reminders of the "why" behind the journey.

3. Keep track of your progress. Keep a little log or notebook to track your progress. Wriite down your accomplishments, a schedule of your workouts, or note on how you feel after you complete a workout or eat a healthy meal. This will help you keep on track, log your progress, and remind you of how much you've accomplished on those days you just don't feel like working out (which will provide motivation!).

4. Keep it fun and interesting. Don't lift weights if you don't enjoy it. We can all find physical activity we enjoy. Figure out what you enjoy, and mix it up every once in a while to avoid bordem. Maybe you like working out with a friend, going to group fitness classes, meeting with a personal trainer, or playing outdoors sports. If you engage in exercise you like, you're more likely to continue doing it.

5. Forgive yourself when needed. Forgive yourself. No one is perfect and temptations are everywhere. Having a cookie doesn't indicate a fall from the wagon. Don't use the mistake as an excuse to give up. Instead, get right back on track the second that cookie is gone.