Can New Year’s Weight-Loss Resolutions Last?

The beginning of each year marks the time for resolutions, celebration, and for many people … the perfect time to finally vow to lose weight! If you’ve taken that particular vow this year, don’t think of it as losing weight, think of it as becoming healthier and giving yourself confidence, energy, and a new outlook on life!

Adopting a long-term, active lifestyle and a healthy diet—rich in fruits and veggies—is the most effective way to lose, maintain, and promote a healthy body for years to come. For many of you this is easier said than done … right? You know you should stop drinking so much soda, exercise on a regular basis, and eat more fruits and vegetables, but actually finding the motivation after only one month is the hard part!

For many people the rollercoaster of weight gain and loss just never seems to end! One thing to remember about adopting a healthy lifestyle is that consistency is the key!

How do we know this?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is just like it sounds—eating nutrient-rich foods, drinking healthy drinks, and being physically active. Adopting also means doing these things on a consistent basis—making a healthy lifestyle your way of life!

A study reported in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders found that of their 1,429 participants, those who reported consistently choosing healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, and foods low in saturated fat most often were 1 ½ times more likely to maintain their weight within five (5) pounds over the course of the year studied.*

Our Advice

Whether weight loss is your goal or not, leading a healthy lifestyle is one resolution that everyone should make!

A healthy lifestyle gives you …

• energy
• self-confidence
• motivation
• provides your body with beneficial compounds essential to a long and healthy life

Remember, consistency is the key! Educate yourself and keep your eye on the ball. You may find becoming and staying healthy is easier … and more fun … than you think!

How do you maintain a healthy diet?

• Maintain a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and veggies, lean protein, and low in saturated fat.
• Fruits and veggies first! They provide your body with the beneficial nutrients it needs. Fruits and vegetables also promote weight loss and maintenance.
• Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies at each eating and meal occasion.

How much and what kind of exercise should you be doing?

• Do some sort of physical activity every day—it doesn’t have to include a gym! Any activity that gets your heart pumping faster counts!
• Participate in weight-bearing activities at least twice per week.

What if you lose motivation or become bored?

• Start slowly, make small changes and reward yourself for the accomplishments you make—large or small!
• Try some of our delicious recipes—they’re sure to give your taste buds a new experience.

*Gorin, A., A. S. Phelan, R. Wing, et al. “Promoting Long-term Weight Control: Does Dieting Consistency Matter?” Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders (2004); 28(2): 278-81.