3 months into the New Year , how are you doing with your resolution to lose weight ? Having a rough go at it ? Here are some sure fire tips to help you get back on track and  keep your resolutions going strong well into the New Year and beyond.

One of the most important steps is to set a goal.  Use S.M.A.R.T. goals  (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound). In order to succeed make small mini goals such as going to the gym 2-3 times a week to start and progressively adding time and days, instead of setting unrealistic goals and burning out by February. Loss goals weight shouldn’t be large and daunting. Small goals such as  1 or 2 pounds a week, with a deadline to lose a certain amount by a certain month.

The next tip is to document everything. Make goals and write  them down. Post them everywhere you’ll see them (on the fridge, the mirror, in your cubicle, etc). The high visibility of your goals will serve as a reminder to keep you going.

Along with documenting your goals, you might also want to document your progress. Start a journal documenting when you work out, improvements you make, as well as daily or weekly weigh-in.   Take pictures of yourself from the front and side at the beginning, as well periodically through the process so you can see the progress you‘ve made.

Your resolution shouldn’t just be to just go the gym. It should be to fit in physical activity whenever possible through out the day . Physical activity is essential to burning calories and losing weight. If your schedule is crazy, take 10-minute breaks throughout the day to, walk around the block, get up from your desk or whatever you can to fit in some fitness, one more tip to fit in activity is to strap on a pedometer and work on taking more steps throughout the day. Just remember all physical movement counts, even lower‑level activities like gardening or walking. Any type of movement can help you become healthier and happier.

This may sound over whelming, and yes there will be road blocks.  Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take it one day at a time. Life happens, the key is to recognize the road block and get back into the swing of things.

Keeping your New Years Resolution is a lot of work, so  have a reward system set up for yourself to keep going. With each milestone have a reward such as a new outfit, time off etc. With proper planning and knowledge, your New Year’s Resolution can be come your New Year’s Reality

Till next time, Be Fit and Be Great