Resolving to Lose Weight in 2005?

Happy New Year, everyone! It's that time again...time to make those New Year's resolutions!

As another year has dawned, many Americans have resolved to lose weight. Yet, before the year is over, many of those same Americans will have failed to keep their resolutions. Are you one of those who has a difficult time seeing such New Year's resolutions carried out to the end?

Perhaps, in the beginning, you are all gung-ho about whatever weight loss program you've chosen to follow. You imagine yourself fitting into a size of jeans that you haven't been able to wear for the past five years. You picture yourself lying on the beach in a teeny swimsuit and looking great in it! These mental images give you the desire and determination to resolve to lose the fat and firm up your body.

For the first week or so, you actually stick with the diets and exercise regimens that are meant to help you shed those pounds and inches. You get all excited when that first pound is lost! After all, if you can lose one pound, you can certainly lose another...and another...until you've reached your weight-loss goal.

Then, one day, a plate of chocolate chip cookies is innocently set in front of you at an unknowing neighbor's home. You give in to temptation and quickly imagine yourself sliding back into the same old routine that caused you to put on that extra weight, in the first place. Sound familiar?

Don't beat yourself up over backsliding a little! Okay...so, you gave in and ate a few chocolate chip cookies, because you didn't want to offend your neighbor. Besides, the cookies were fresh out of the oven and smelled so-o-o yummy! You simply couldn't help yourself! You're only human, after all! But, alas...all need not be lost!

Keep in mind that everyone indulges in the 'forbidden' from time-to-time. It's normal and expected. Once you've gone beyond the boundaries of your diet and/or missed a few exercise sessions, it's time to accept it and move on...without looking back.

Instead of being hard on yourself or getting all depressed and giving up, make a new start each day. Just as if you were involved in a twelve-step program, take your weight-loss program a day at a time. If you fell off your diet yesterday, go back on it today. If you've missed a workout or two, today is a good day to get back on track with your exercise program. Keep in mind that it is never too late to try to lose weight and get in shape.

With practice and a little discipline, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can become a habit...a good one! After awhile, you'll find yourself doing these things without having to force yourself to do them. In fact, you may even be surprised to find that you look forward to eating those fruits and veggies, instead of an ice cream cone. You'll anticipate taking those daily walks. When you've achieved your weight-loss goals, you'll be glad that you didn't give up!

It's easy to become overwhelmed, when you first set your goals and a deadline to reach those goals. Forget about the deadline. Focus on what you can achieve today! Praise yourself when you do well. But, don't be too hard on yourself, if you take a step backwards occasionally. Seek help and encouragement from family and friends. And, you'll be surprised what you can accomplish!

Best wishes to all! Healthy eating and happy exercising in 2005!

Cyndi Schoenhals
CPT and fitness writer