The beginning of January is an exhilarating time! A
new year to lose weight. A new year to eat healthier. A new year to be a new
you. These New Year’s resolutions invoke feelings of excitement and motivation
but as soon as people start to settle back into their normal routine, these feelings
start to fade.
It’s
easy to fall back into old unhealthy habits so having a defined and attainable
goal, with a plan in place to achieve this goal, is the key. For many, a common
New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. From there, decide how much weight you
want to lose in what period of time. Losing 1-2 pounds a week is a good goal. Once
your goal is set, planning how to achieve the goal is the next step.
Losing weight in a healthy manner is characterized
by two aspects: consumption of more nutrient-rich foods and an increase in
physical activity.
That being said, careful thought needs to be put
into how an individual will carry out each of these aspects. Planning out
weekly meals, shopping with a well thought-out grocery list, and setting aside
time each day to workout are great starts to achieving your goal. By planning
out a routine that you can hold yourself to, the temptation to revert back to
your old habits is much harder to do.
Incorporate these tips into your new routine:
· Make
sure half of your plate is fruits and vegetables, color is key!
· Make
at least half your grains whole grains
· Replace
sugary beverages with water
· Reach
for a fruit or vegetable when snacking
· Use
moderation when consuming sweets
· Eat
smaller portions
· Be
mindful of what you’re eating
For more information about healthy weight loss,
visit http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6847
Written
by Annie Cameron, undergraduate Nutrition major at Saint Louis University
Approved
by Connie Diekman, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, FADA
Nutrition
Communications Consultant
