New Year's Resolution and 5 Ways to Keep It

Most of us grown ups have become acclimated to the idea of: getting up, going to work, coming home and then going to sleep. Somewhere in this daily "circle of life" we eat three or more meals, sit at a desk, snack, and eventually start to gain weight. That's ok, it's part of life. It's a learning processes I have learned to live with and trained myself to add some extra "routine steps" into my daily life. Through working out, eating less, drinking water, going to bed earlier and getting outside, I can manage my health very efficiently. The best part of all of this is that I can easily keep it up and in this article I will help you understand how to do exactly what I have done.

1 - Working Out

It is easier than it sounds. Thirty minutes a day can keep the fat away and it can be anything from weights to fast walking. You need to keep up with something that you like to do, and yes... working out can be fun. For me, getting out in the open air, walking or working out with weights helps me to get through a hard days work. The endorphins from working out keep you more grounded, less stressed and sooner or later, you will be addicted to the feeling after working out. Keep it up, no matter how you do. Every day, thirty minutes a day and you will be feeling great.

2 - Meal Management

This is about how much you eat and when. Eat smaller portions, six times a day and never late at night. Eat lots of vegetables, fruit and stay away from (bad) fatty foods. Keep realistic and make sure that the foods you eat are better than what you have been eating. Eat as healthy as possible, every day. I lost forty pounds from staying away from fast food and drinking water. Of course, I included a thirty minute workout and in a year, it was gone! Eat healthy, treat yourself good and don't let the hunger get the best of you. If you are craving unhealthy food it is usually because your body is not getting the vitamins, nutrients and minerals your body really needs... so get some vitamins, take them everyday and this craving will soon go away.

Remember, the fast food you have been eating will give you a type of "withdraw". Go through it, stay strong and don't give into your cravings. Sodas will also give you a withdraw type of feel. Again, hold out and make sure that you keep up the healthy food. These cravings will go away sooner or later, and you will feel so much.

The bottom line becomes calories. Take in less than you burn.

3 - Drinking Water

Drink, drink and drink some more. You might start to realize that loosing weight and keeping it off is a life style, not a hobby. So, drink water like you breathe air. I drink around 100 ounces of water a day and that really isn't a lot, if you carry a water bottle around the office. If you don't like water bottles, use a glass and fill it up as often as you can. Your body can carrying at least ten pounds of extra water weight around, just because you don't drink enough. It is like you body goes into "sponge" or "survival" mode. Give your body the water it needs and it will cycle out the old and cleanse itself with the new. Again, treat yourself very well and your body with thank you.

4 - Sleeping Hours

We have all heard that it is important to get your sleep. I have been told that eight hours is an important number, and it is more than true. Your body needs a certain about of time to re-coupe and to take in all that has happened in a day. Your mind needs time to "file" the information going on and eight hours is necessary. Don't stay up too late, go to bed early, relax after you get home (after working out), and treat your body well! Don't ware yourself out on both ends. Sleep well and your body will be ready to go again. It is a life style. It is a marathon. Don't start out sprinting, if you are wanting to go a long distance.

5 - Outside Activities

Go outside and get your vitamin D (sun light). Your body is an outdoor vehicle. We were made to work outside. Garden, mow, hangout, whatever it takes to get the sun shine you need. Your skin will soak it all in and help your body to operate more efficient. Don't be a cave monkey and let your skin look chalk white. Go to the beach, walk, watch a sports game or anything else that helps your skin to be health. Simply, spend some time (every day) outside.

Staying with it...

All five of these techniques will make for a successful resolution of loosing weight and keeping it off. The other extra benefit is that you will be healthy and able to enjoy life. Keep it up and make sure you enjoy all the healthy things you are doing. Work out with fun activities, eat things that taste decent (and are health), put fruit flavor in your water (cool aid), enjoy your time sleeping and get plenty of fun things to do in the sun (bike, walk, whatever), and don't quit. Keep going.

Happy new years!