The most common New Year’s resolutions have to do with losing weight and going to the gym more often, but it’s not until the halls are decked and the Christmas presents are opened that we start thinking about them seriously. Often we don’t even think about them too realistically either, leaving us overwhelmed in the new year. Here’s why you should start mapping out your weight loss resolutions now and how to make realistic resolutions you’re more likely to stick to.
plan your goals
for the new year now!
Craft a resolution earlier
If you’re already thinking about a realistic New Year’s resolution around Christmastime, the goals you are trying to craft in your head may motivate you to be more aware of what you’re eating and how much you’re working out over the Christmas season. This doesn’t mean you won’t or can’t indulge in some pumpkin pie at Christmas Eve dinner, but knowing how many pounds you want to shed in the new year may motivate you to say “no” to the second piece of pie. It may also motivate you to take a walk or jog the day after Christmas to get a lead on your fitness resolution.
Be realistic about your goals
Telling yourself you’re going to lose at least 40 pounds after Christmas or have a rock-hard six-pack in a few weeks is just setting yourself up for failure. If you set your weight loss goals too high and try to meet them too fast, you’re bound to become discouraged. This is a huge reason many people give up on their resolutions by the end of January, and it may even leave you wondering if there’s a point to working out or eating healthier this year. You should set resolutions, but just be sure they are realistic so you’re not left disappointed in the new year.
Keep your exact goals to yourself
There’s no need to advertise on Facebook exactly how many pounds you’re going to lose in the new year or how long it will take you to lose them. Sharing your resolutions with others may overwhelm and stress you out, as you may find the extra pressure to reach these goals distracting. Plus, you wouldn’t want to proclaim that you’re going to lose 50 pounds in January and end up losing only 5 (which is still awesome) and feel embarrassed about it. Not only should you set realistic goals, but you should be honest with yourself before sharing your goals with others.
Find a resolution buddy
You don’t need to hide your resolutions from everyone. In fact, if you find someone with a similar resolution, why not pair up? If your resolution is to lose weight by working out more often, find a close friend who wants to do the same, and sign up for the gym together in the new year. This way you and your friend can motivate each other, go together to fitness classes that may be too daunting for you to try on your own and encourage each other along the way. Strength in numbers is true when it comes to this resolution.
Set shorter-term goals
You want to lose 30 pounds this year? Great. Now what? How are you going to accomplish this goal? The trick is to set short-term goals that lead up to your long-term goal. For example, set a goal to hit the gym at least three times a week for the next four weeks. This sounds less intimidating than saying, “I’m going to hit the gym three times a week for the next 10 months.” When you take these baby steps, your weight loss and fitness resolutions are less overwhelming, making you more likely to stick to them.
Ask for advice now
To map out short-term goals and plan your steps to meet your resolution, why not seek advice now? Talk to your doctor about diet changes you’d like to make in the new year, and see what she says. If you’re going to the gym before Christmas, talk to a fitness trainer about certain machines you’d like to try in the new year, once you begin to carry out your resolution. For example, if you want to make your legs firmer, ask a professional trainer at your gym to show you some exercises that target the legs more efficiently. Working on specific parts of your body that you are insecure about during your exercise routine will get you results and give you more confidence. If you can afford it ask for personal trainer price quotes and see if you would like to go that route in the new year.
More on weight loss
Should you go on a pre-Christmas diet?
Why you should say “no” to Christmas cookies
Your plate size vs. your waist size
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