Keeping Your New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight

Losing weight is probably in the top 3 list of most common New Year's resolutions. It's a resolution that men, women, and even children make. It's also, unfortunately, one of the hardest resolutions to keep. Time, convenience, and pressure from those around us can make losing weight and keeping it off a difficult adventure.

Shedding pounds is actually relatively easy--if you know what caused you to gain weight to begin with. Is it those extra cookies after dinner? Is it your lack of motivation to get moving? Whatever the reason may be, there are several key things we can do to make losing weight easy. Say goodbye to the extra fat, and not just for a month or two. Say goodbye for good!

The first thing that needs to be done is changing the diet. How many times per week are you eating out? Many Americans eat out every day, sometimes for all three meals. Even eating out once per week can put you at risk for gaining weight, depending on the meal. The most simple thing you can do today to stop gaining weight and begin the decline on the scale is to limit eating out. It's okay to treat yourself once in a while, but making a habit of eating fast food (even food at restaurants is not health-consciously prepared) is not just bad for the scale number--it's bad for your overall health. If you must eat out, ask for the nutrition information or the low-calorie and fat options. Places like Subway and Arby's (their regular roast beef sandwiches have 320 calories and 13 grams of fat--6 being from saturated fat. That's pretty good compared to many other fast food options) carry good options if you're trying to shrink your physique.

Get moving. No one is going to lose weight and see quick results by sitting on the couch. Even a 20 minute walk through your neighborhood will do your body some good. It's a myth that you can't drop pounds without exercising. You can, but you're going to need a large calorie deficit to accomplish any promising results. The smartest thing to do is to exercise. Find something you like and do that at home. There are so many programs out there that allow you to work out in the comfort of your own home. Can't find the time? Rubbish! Everyone can find time to exercise. Playing with your kids even counts.

You hear it's best to eat 6 small meals. You hear it's best to eat 3 large meals. You hear it's best not to eat. You hear it's best to eat. Which is it? The truth is that nothing works for everyone and you are going to have to figure out what works best for you. For me, I'm more hungry if I eat the 6 small meals throughout the day. I then end up eating more because I'm feeling less satisfied throughout the day. Whereas, if I eat a large breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I feel more full and don't snack. Try both methods for a few days each and see which one you reach for those chips or cookies more often with.

Another thing you need to do is to eliminate your weaknesses. If you don't have it in the pantry, you can't eat it. If you can't put the Oreos down once you open the bag, then simply don't buy the Oreos. It may seem hard at first, but you'll find that after a week or two your sugar craving dramatically decreases. Instead, treat yourself once or twice per week to an ice cream or treat of your choice.

One of the main causes of overeating and poor selection of foods is due to lack of convenience. It's more convenient to go through the drive-thru than it is to thaw the chicken, marinate the chicken, chop the chicken, and make fajitas. With a little planning, you can enjoy foods that are more convenient than fast food, taste better, and are healthier. Make a menu and shop according to that list. Then see if you can't prep things for most of the recipes for the week. Cutting veggies in advance--like chopping onions--and thawing out meat the night before can really save you some time and frustration.

Sit at the table in quiet when you eat. So many Americans eat in front of the television, or while talking on the phone. This is a huge mistake. It prevents you from recognizing when you're satisfied, and it becomes a habit. Every time you eat, make yourself sit down at your dining table with no television, phone, or distractions. Savor your food. Eat slowly and do not rush through your meal. You'd be surprised how many times you will skip those snacks because you don't feel like sitting down.

Try negative-calorie foods such as celery and broccoli for snacks.

If you follow the aforementioned suggestions, you should be well on your way to losing unwanted pounds and gaining much-needed confidence.