I resolve …

Image of a memo with the note saying 'New year's resolution eat healthy!'

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Have your New Year’s resolutions to maintain a healthy weight started out strong? Only to fizzle about now?

 

Get back on track with these points from the University of Houston Texas Obesity Research Center:

•  Document the evidence. Write down what and how much you eat of everything. Writing things down helps you to stay in control and remember what you are eating and doing every day.

•  Keep on moving. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Daily physical activity significantly improves your body functioning, on a cellular level, and your body is better able to lose and avoid gaining weight.

•  Preempt the tempt. Avoid situations where you are going to be hungry and at risk for making high-calorie choices. Eat a small snack every 3 hours. The snack should include some protein such as a small piece of reduced calorie cheese or a small handful of nuts.

•  Tell a friend. Enlist the help and support of your friends and family. They may serve as a kind ear when you need to vent, or may have similar physical activity and eating goals as you.

•  Busy hands. Keep your hands and mind busy. The key is to keep busy and not spend too much time thinking about eating. Try knitting, wood crafts or card games.

•  Plan ahead. Anticipate and make a plan for what you will do in high-risk situations. Decide whether you are going to decline the chocolate pecan torte, have a bite or have a piece. If you decide to have a piece, plan in advance to eat a little less of something else.

•  Talk yourself into it. You have talked yourself into plenty of things before, why should this be any different? Tell yourself you can do it. Every day, think to yourself, “I am doing great,” “I can stick to my plan,” “I am maintaining a healthy weight,” and “I can stay on track.”

•  Practice relaxing. Stress is a prime cause of overeating. Prioritize time to reflect and relax every day.

•  Keep it real. Don’t expect dramatic weight loss immediately—not a realistic goal. Stay on track, keep focused and make small sustainable steps toward your goal.

•  Don’t despair. If you have fallen off the wagon, forgive yourself. And get back on again.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

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