LOSING WEIGHT in February

January is almost over, and so far this year you have worked hard to lose weight. But how do you keep your New Year’s drive and motivation for losing weight and/or improving your health as the year continues?

1. Select a diet program that you actually enjoy. Don’t do the “subway diet” if you hate sandwiches. And don’t do weight watchers if you hate counting calories. Don’t go vegetarian if you love meat. You get the idea. Know yourself and your strengths/weaknesses. Nutrisystem may work for you or may be the worst option for you. If you cannot leave the grocery store without your stash of junk food, then consider something like Nutrisystem because they will send all your meals/snacks to you. If you hate cooking, don’t select a diet that requires cooking your own foods. There are a ton of weight loss techniques out there, so be sure to choose the right one FOR YOU! Don’t choose one simply because a lot of people are doing it. If you enjoy it, you will stick with it (year-round)!

2. Select an exercise program that you actually enjoy. Be creative in selecting your choice of exercise(s)! There are endless options for exercise/sports, so find one that you like! If you cannot motivate yourself, join an exercise class or group. Is there a sport that you and your family/friends could play together? Or would it be most convenient for you to start a walking program with some co-workers during lunch? P90X or Cross Fit might be ideal for you to do at home by yourself. If you have cable/satellite, check out the exercise channels for some good challenges. Find an exercise that you enjoy, so you will continue it after January ends.

3. Select a partner to lose weight with. You must know someone who is also trying to lose weight, so join together to motivate each other! Your spouse, a friend, a co-worker, or family member can provide the accountability you need to actually stick with your improved eating and exercise habits. Losing weight is not easy, so you need all the support you can get! If you have the means, hire a personal trainer to help. We need each other, especially when we are trying to make difficult choices/changes in life. So find a partner, and get to work! Let 2012 be the year you actually fulfill your New Year’s resolutions!