New Year's Resolution Number One - Lose Weight

This year just like last year, my biggest New Year's Resolution for 2009 is to lose weight. In the past, I have struggled, but 2009 will be different. Here are the five ways I plan to stay on track and lose the weight for good.

In order for this New Year's Resolution to work, a plan must be laid out. My martial arts training will help with this. Part of our training is learning how to set goals. We learned to know what we want, have a plan, take decisive action, review your progress and renew your goals. Applying this philosophy to losing weight will get me to the point where I am happy with what the scale shows.

Lets break it down into small parts. Know what you want. That is the easy part. I want to lose 65 pounds. Actually, I need to lose 65 pounds. In order to become healthier and stay active with my kids, the weight has to come off. For 2009, my New Year's resolution is to lose 65 pounds.

Have a plan is the next part. This is much harder than just knowing what you want. I have a plan already in place. The at home equipment has been purchased and here in Northwest Arkansas there are plenty of walking and hiking trails to explore. My plan is to walk everyday and to use my free weights along with my favorite workout video - 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. I will be using the video 5 days a week. In addition, calories will be cut and a healthier diet will be put in place.

My New Year's Resolution to lose weight in 2009 will not work without taking decisive action. I will be walking or hiking everyday. This is good news for my readers as I plan to write reviews on all of the trails that I explore. In addition to the walking and hiking, I will be using the free weights and workout video. Part of the 30 Day Shred Video states that you can lose 20 pounds in 30 days. I start on January 1, 2009 and I'll keep you all informed as to my weight loss as of January 30^th.

The fourth way to make this New Year's Resolution work in 2009 is to continually review my progress. I will be keeping a journal this year of my weight loss journey. Keeping track of my weight, measurements, and workouts on a weekly basis will help me stay focused. While I would love to join a gym, it is out of the question this year. I'm still recovering from relocating 1,100 miles a few months ago. The free weights and workout video are all the budget allowed.

Finally, as my weight loss progresses, I will have to renew my weight loss goals. Although I plan to lose 65 pounds, breaking it down into smaller goals that are easier to attain is a way to achieve success and helps to keep me motivated. As I reach each smaller goal, the amount of weight to lose overall will be reduced.

Weight loss is my biggest New Year's Resolution for 2009. What is yours?

To read more articles on health issues by this author click on the links below:

Martial Arts for Seniors

Is Your Child Ready for Martial Arts

How to Decrease Cooking Time for Chicken and Fish

LaBriute Offers Instant Self Heating Meals

The Easy Way to Select and Store Green Vegetables

2 Percent Milk Recommended for Children 12 Months to 2 Years