A helping hand for your New Year's resolution

Every January, millions of Americans go on a diet, determined to christen the new year with an aggressive weight loss effort. They try to eat right, maybe join a gym, or start jogging every day.

A few pounds come off (mostly water, it turns out). By February they're back to their old eating habits, and up to their old weight. There's always next year, right?

But there are proven ways to help you keep your New Year’s resolution until NEXT New Year's. In December, Marnie, JackieZ, and I talked about how anyone can put together a safe and healthy weight loss program for the new year. Here's what I think is a very informative podcast that resulted from that discussion.



In addition to the podcast, here are some proven techniques to help you make 2007 your slimmest year ever.

1. Eat a well-balanced breakfast. This helps you avoid pre-lunch hunger by stabilizing your blood sugar levels all morning long. Whole wheat light toast and poached eggs or light yogurt and Kashi cereal are great options.

2. Take a multivitamin every morning. This ensures you get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients necessary to keep your metabolism and body functioning in high-gear. Boosting your metabolism helps your body burn calories faster, which ultimately reduces stored body fat.

3. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated makes you feel full between meals. And drinking lots of water improves circulation and helps decrease bloating and fluid retention.

4. Start every meal with a salad. This helps your body get the fiber it needs, which aids in proper digestion. Vegetables also provide the widest range of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain energy levels -- without fat. Another benefit: Eating salad before meals means you’ll have less room for fatty or sugar-rich main courses and desserts.

5. Eat fruit. As with salad, fruit provides important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. But be careful. While fruits such as berries, honeydew, watermelon, and apricots are nutritious, they still contribute to your caloric intake, so like everything else, be sure to eat these fruits in moderation.

6. Eat only when you're hungry. Eating to combat boredom or stress can add hundreds, even thousands of extra calories to your daily intake. If you don’t burn off these calories, they go straight to your thighs, buttocks, and belly.

7. Snack smart. Stick with small portions of low-calorie foods, such as fruits, low-fat cottage cheese, vegetables, and high-fiber pretzels. These will satisfy your hunger and junk food urges without packing on the pounds.

8. Eat three meals a day. Skipping meals encourages overeating and snacking. On the other hand, three balanced meals a day, at the same times each day, keeps your metabolism moving and in rhythm.

9. Get active. Like it or not, exercise is important. Every person has different needs, but even moderate exercise has a dramatic effect on metabolism. Exercise can be as easy as taking a walk, or riding a stationary bike. Even everyday activities like strolling through the mall or playing a game of tag with your children will help. To burn even more calories, try strength training such as lifting weights, calisthenics, or yoga a few times a week.

As with any diet or weight loss program, check with your doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle.

Happy 2007, everyone!