The number one resolution for the New Year is losing weight. January in a gym is filled with people who have decided they are actually going to lose weight….this time. The old faces grimace as they see new faces they know will only last the few weeks on the treadmill before calling it a year. Losing weight always comes with good intentions but follow through is a different story.
Why Weight Loss Resolutions Fail
The reason is simple. Attitude. Will power or more importantly lack of will power. New goals come with new habits. New habits are difficult to forge.
I remember when my husband told me that losing weight as a goal was ineffective. It took me a long time to understand what he meant by that. I thought he was completely wrong but as it turns out he was completely right. Losing weight for the sake of losing weight will set you up to fail. It is a hollow goal. You need to have a goal for your health or to take up a sport that encourages physical activity. Instead of being focused on losing weight we need to focus on health and possibly take up a new hobby that involves a physical activity.
Ways to Keep Your Weight Loss Resolution
The first thing you need to do is keep a food journal. I know this sounds tedious but it is very important. Unless you know where you are overeating, under eating, or making poor decisions, you will be powerless to change your habits. Routine and habit over a period of time is key and the best way to track yourself is through a food journal.
Set small goals so you do not overwhelm yourself. Just thinking about losing weight is exhausting. Do not think of the big picture in the beginning. Begin by making a healthy choice and then make another one. For instance, set a goal to drink eight glasses of water a day. Then set a goal to cut out late night snacks or walk so many miles a week. Start small and if you must, form one habit at a time. You may not see fast results but you will see results.