How to Properly Plan for Your New Year’s Resolution

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It’s the time of year that most of us dread, but it’s the time of year where most of us look forward to changing our lives for the better.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest promises people seem to make after the clock strikes midnight is, “I’m going to lose weight and be healthier.”

Easier said than done, right?

Even though most of us make the pledge, the follow through can be a bit difficult. In fact, after about six months, over 50% of people bow out on their New Year's Resolutions.

So, how can you make sure this year is different, especially when it comes to losing weight? Get started now!

Don’t Wait Until the First

Why do all of us feel like we need to start our resolutions on exactly the first day of January? Truth is, we don’t, and this can actually be a problem.

“When making a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight, people often don’t take the time to think about the process involved,” says Christy Shatlock, MS/RD and one of the lead dietitians for BistroMD. “Weight loss can be a difficult process, and not too many people actually prepare themselves for it or set realistic goals.”

Setting realistic goals is the trickiest part, so what’s the trick?

“Make a plan for yourself that is healthy, but won’t make you suffer,” says Christy. “Stay away from the gimmick of fasting diets, and find a plan that suits your needs and your lifestyle.”

Once you do research and pick your plan, slowly start implementing it into your daily life. Start shopping healthier, and start cooking a few new healthy recipes each week. After about three weeks, the first of the year won’t feel like such a dramatic change in your daily habits.

Don’t Go Beyond Your Means

Realistically, if you know you can’t make it to the gym six days out of week, don’t promise yourself that you are going to.

“When you make unrealistic promises, and then realize you can’t follow through with them, this can really put a damper in your motivation," says Christy. "This can make you feel like a failure, which sends your progress on a downward spiral,” says Christy.

Sit down one day and figure out a realistic workout schedule—one that you can easily incorporate into your daily habits. Also, don’t think you have to spend over an hour at the gym. Just 30 minutes at least five days out of the week can make a huge difference in how you look and how you feel.

Don’t Portray Yourself as an Expert

Another mistake people make when it comes to making a New Year’s Resolution is that they expect to know everything about dieting, even after only a few weeks of research.

”If you really want to achieve your goals, you can’t be afraid to ask for help,” says Christy. “Most people make this mistake and become really disappointed in themselves when they hit a plateau or don’t lose weight as fast as they would like.”

Instead of thinking big, think small. Instead of making huge goals like losing 50 pounds in one month, say “my goal is to lose between 2-3 pounds a week.” This will prevent disappointment, and help will help you see more improvements in your progress.

For more tips from our experts, please visit the healthy facts section of our website.

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