Matters Healthy Goals /

We’re now one month into 2014, a year you vowed to achieve those lofty weight-loss goals. Here are some practical tips to help you stay the course and keep from becoming frustrated or sidetracked.

• Keep a food journal. This is very important because you have to know which foods help you lose weight and which make you gain weight. Be sure to include what, when, how much, and where you ate.

• Make realistic goals. You are probably not going to lose 15 pounds in a week. Instead, set a more realistic goal of losing two pounds a week. This is much more achievable and will not leave you disappointed and likely to quit.

• Exercise. People continue coming up with creative excuses as to why they cannot exercise. However, simply taking a 10-minute walk before work or taking an evening stroll around the neighborhood with a friend are good ways to incorporate exercise into your routine. Remember, exercise does not have to be tortuous.

• Set an end date for your goals and make them realistic. This way, you will begin your weight-loss plan rather than putting it off.

• Clean out your pantry. Replace those Oreo cookies and potato chips with healthier options. Eliminating trigger foods from your home will prove extremely beneficial.

• Lose with a friend. There is certainly nothing wrong with having someone to keep you motivated and hold you accountable. Moreover, a friendly competition will help you stay on track.

Source: parentables.howstuffworks.com/health-wellness/tips-weight-loss-resolutionsactually-work.html

We’re not going to sugarcoat things. Achieving those New Year’s resolutions is a monumental task.

8% of people are successful in achieving their resolutions

49% of people enjoy infrequent success

24% of people fail to keep their resolutions each year.

Source: statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/