By Paula Robertson

Weight loss and weight management are regulars on the New Year’s Resolutions List.  The problem is it is one that achieves very little success.  The average dieter begins and breaks four diets a year.  Failure is no fun and self-defeat doesn’t feel great either.  But why does it have to be this way?  Let’s discuss some key points to fool-proofing this year’s weight management resolutions.

1. Think positive.  Give your resolution a positive flair like “I will…“feel great about myself”, “gain health”, or “boost my energy and attitude”.  Swap your negative words (think “lose”, “not”, “don’t”) for positive.  Statements made in the positive are much easier to visualize and remember than statements using negative words or phrases.
2. Make it conducive to your lifestyle.  Many diets have regimented systems that involve deprivation, which can leave you feeling anti-social and down.  A healthy social network and a positive outlook are integral to success.  Don’t let your diet control your life.  If you slip a little during one part of the day, make up for it for the rest of the day.  Plan ahead and prepare yourself for the everyday temptations. 
3. Give yourself enough time.  Motivation disappears when your goal is tied only to the end result rather than sound strategy.  Try not to get frustrated at losing weight at a rate of 1-2 lbs a week, it took months or years to gain that weight—it’ll take some time to lose it too.  Remember, dieters who lose weight slowly are much more likely to keep it off long-term.
4. It’s not an all-or-nothing deal.  Know that one cookie won’t ruin your diet.  One bad day doesn’t need to turn into a bad week or a bad month.  It’s only a big deal if you make it one.  Your focus is on making “good” food choices, not “perfect” ones. 
5. Keep your food varied.  A lack of variety can be a major reason for failure.  Boredom and monotony are diet disasters, variety will keep you from straying and that is very true with food.  As well, by limiting your food choices, you may be missing out on vital nutrients.  Nutritional deficiencies can cause an inability to lose weight.
6. Go for Green.  You know that working out builds lean muscle mass.  And this muscle is calorie-burning, metabolically-active tissue, essential to supporting and simplifying your weight management goals.  Be sure to vary this too and keep your exercise fun.