Many start their new year off with resolutions. Some want to better their finances, learn to cook, read more, etc. I would say the majority of New Year's Resolutions consist of those wanting to lose weight. 

I can’t tell you how often I hear people say they’re going to lose weight and they are going to do it the healthy way. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. How often do you hear someone say they’re changing their lifestyle starting in the New Year, but never follow through?

Don’t let your New Year's Resolution be for January only—let this goal turn into habit, and eventually it will transform into the way you live your life!

So many weight loss resolutions turn into obligations, where goals become a "have to” rather than a "want to.” Yes, you HAVE to eat healthy and exercise if you want to prevent certain ailments, diseases, and to keep a healthy weight. However, you should WANT to make these changes in your life to be a healthier you!

If you want to lose weight and better your lifestyle, it can’t just be a “New Year's Resolution,” it has to be a lifetime goal. Maybe it’s not just about weight loss—for some it may be eating better or gaining muscle. Either way, bettering your health isn’t a requirement, but it could save your life, which is why you should WANT to get healthy.

If you want it bad enough, you’ll stick to it. It won’t always be easy, but you will prevail if you stay focused on your goals with the outcome in mind.

Is weight loss your top priority for 2015? Are you struggling with finding ways to start your weight loss journey? If you’re ready to put your foot down and begin the weight loss process the healthy way, try the following tips to get a boost:

4 Tips to Turn Your Weight Loss Resolution into a Lifestyle Change

1. Start Your Day Off With Breakfast

That’s right, that silly ol’ myth stating that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is actual fact. Breakfast is the key to boosting your metabolism.

To put it in perspective, you don’t eat when you’re sleeping, which ensures a pretty lengthy period without food. Upon awakening in the morning, your body will need fuel to kick-start your metabolism.

It’s important to eat within 1 hour after waking up in order to properly start your day off right. If you don’t eat breakfast, then you will slow your metabolic rate, leaving you feeling ravenous for lunch, and possibly causing you to overeat.

Eat breakfast to increase your metabolism, which will help you burn more energy!

2. Avoid Overeating

Overeating is one of the main problems many people struggle with. It’s easy to overeat because America delivers when it comes to “biggie-size” this and “extra side” of that! America overproduces, restaurants over portion, we overeat.

It’s up to you to control your plate. You may think you need more food, but chances are you really don’t. After eating one plate full of all the right foods, allow your body 20 minutes to digest. Let it sink in with your brain that you’ve provided fuel for energy before you skip back to the kitchen to get your second helping.

If you’re crunched for time and a drive-through is the only option, try to stick with a regular size meal. Avoid upgrading to the next size. You may save some money, but it’s not worth it when it comes to that extra penny or calorie!

3. Make Healthy Foods Available

I often hear people say that healthy foods are expensive. Yes, some healthy foods may be a little higher in price than others, but isn’t it worth the pretty penny now rather than spending on medical expenses later? That’s right, eating healthy decreases the chance of many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. If you cut bad eating habits while gaining healthy eating habits, you will save money in the long run.

If you’re wondering what a healthy plate looks like, picture this image from ChooseMyPlate.gov: 

¼ of your plate should be lean protein, ¼ healthy starches such as whole grain products, and ½ your plate fruits and vegetables. Try to make your plate match these guidelines at each meal so that you can guarantee healthy food consumption.

This will be a great time to cut out those fried foods and desserts that you’ve been meaning to eliminate!

4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Your body needs to move more! Think of it this way: our ancestors were on their feet constantly. They didn’t have much time for a break, and they certainly didn’t sit when working.

It’s great that technology advanced and caused an increase in jobs, but America becoming more corporate has led to sedentary living. If we want exercise, we have to make it priority. So, I suggest you do!

Try to reach 30 minutes of exercise 5x/week. The best way to ensure you’re getting a great workout is to get your heartrate up. If you currently don’t exercise, start small and work your way up. A short amount of activity still counts!Start with 2 days of brisk walking each week until you’re ready to bump it to 3 and so on. Consistency with exercise will help you progress over time.

Conclusion

Don’t let lack of nutrition and exercise be your downfall with your health this year. It’s easy to say you’ll get around to it, but putting your goals into actions is the key. Time is precious and so is your life, so make this year your year of change!