Resolved to Lose Weight? 10 Ways to Make It Work

Starting Jan. 1, I am going to eat right, exercise regularly, and lose this weight once and for all.” Sound familiar? The No. 1 New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, and for good reason: 65% of American adults are overweight. To make matters worse, many people are carrying a few recently added pounds from the holiday season.

Enthusiasm and desire are high on Jan. 1, but come February, those good intentions often wane, and old habits return. How can you keep this from happening to you? First, make sure your fitness goals and eating plan is realistic. Remind yourself how long it took to gain the weight, and be patient as you slowly make lifestyle changes that will eventually help you improve your health and reach your weight loss goal.

Here are 10 tips to help you stay motivated all year long:

1. Make conscious decisions. If you really want another piece of candy or a big piece of pie, justify it. Eat smaller portions of other foods (except for the low-calorie, filling ones like vegetables) to save calories for the treats you crave, and/or spend a little more time working out. Remember this simple equation: Eating more calories than you burn equals weight gain.

2. Keep portions in check. Studies have shown that the more you are served, the more you will eat. Serve yourself small portions of rich, high-calorie foods and large portions of healthy foods like vegetables, salads, and broth-based soups.

Read the full article at http://www.webmd.com/diet/lose-weight-10-ways?ecd=wnl_wlw_121113&ctr=wnl-wlw-121113_promo_1&mb=

Source:  WebMD, December 13, 2013 at http://www.webmd.com/diet/lose-weight-10-ways?ecd=wnl_wlw_121113&ctr=wnl-wlw-121113_promo_1&mb=