The beginning of a new year brings with it a renewed hope for a new start. Most people are determined to do better for themselves. Most, with making new year's resolutions, get off to an outstanding start, doing everything needed to make the new resolution stick. But after a few weeks of depriving yourself of your favorite goodies or exercising three times a day, most give in and have another year of failed resolutions.
The key to keeping your new year's diet resolution is moderation. Why not change a little at a time and make "it" stick. Give your body a chance to adjust instead of trying to hit it full force all at day one. Try following these simple tips and you will have a better chance of keeping that resolution instead of loosing it after week two.
1. Go slow - you didn't develop a horrible diet all at once. Change a little at a time. Try adding a piece of produce to your lunch everyday. Designate one day a week as fish dinner day, use whole grain cereal as a mid morning snack instead of that tasty donut.
2. Water, water, and more water. Water is not only cheap, it is filling. Make sure you are getting at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you are not already getting 8 glasses a day start off smaller. Try one glass when you wake up in the morning, one before each meal, one during each meal, and one before bed. You will be having 8 glasses plus before you know it. Trade that pepsi or diet snapple for one more glass of water, drink one more glass today than you had yesterday.
3. Think in colors...produce is wonderful in color categories. Remember color equals nutrients. Add one more color to each meal than you normally would have. Follow a theme...all red or christmas: red and green, follow the rainbow. The possibilities are endless.
4. Cut out the mid-day munching. When you feel you need to "pop" something in your mouth, ask yourself if you are really hungry or if this is just a habit. Before you plan on eating anything try a piece of sugar free hardcandy or a piece of gum. If that doesn't do the trick try brushing and flossing your teeth before making a meal.
5. Prepare yourself for success. Get a family member or a friend involved. It is much easier to follow a plan if you have someone else to answer to.
These tips along with regular exercise will have you following your new year diet resolution with success.
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