It’s New Years Eve, the beginning of a new year,  a  time to reflect on the old and make plans for the new.  Some of the most common  resolutions people make are to take better care of  themselves, eat better,  lose weight and get fit. Usually, by late January, these resolutions are forgotten as life’s business gets in the way. So, here are a few tips to help make your healthy eating resolutions come true.

•  Keep a food journal for a week or two and use it to help you decide what you want to change. When you start the journal, do it without judgments…simply write down what you eat and when. As you look it over,  highlight things you are already doing well and plan to continue.  After that, begin to identify habits that you are ready to change.
• Make your resolutions/goals realistic and specific. Instead of saying, “I want to eat better”, pick one or two things that you can and will actually do. For example, “I will eat breakfast” or “I will use milk instead of cream in my coffee”. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 30 pounds”, start with 5 pounds and when that is accomplished and feels right, start on your next 5.
• When you start to make changes, continue to keep your journal. It’s one of the best predictors of success. You can do it with an app on your smart phone (there are many to choose from) or  you can carry around a small journal that fits into your purse or pocket.…just find something that is convenient.
• If losing weight is on your resolution list, promise yourself that this year will be different. No more fads, no rapid weight loss, no celebrity endorsed programs. Instead, explore ways to alter your eating style to include foods you like and an eating style that will be with you long after the pounds have been shed.
• If it helps, get some support. If you want help with your diet, see a registered dietitian or join a weight loss group. If your want help with fitness, hire a personal trainer, start to walk or take a class with a friend or family member.
• Instead of buying the latest diet book, spend the money on a healthy cookbook or exercise video.
• Don’t beat yourself up if everything doesn’t go as planned.  Having a slip up doesn’t mean you can’t succeed.  When you are creating goals, include a plan for strategies  that will help get you back on track.
• Think about all the great things you did last year and resolve to keep doing them. Also, think about what steps you took to achieve those goals so you can apply this to other areas of your life. Don’t waste energy criticizing your past mistakes unless you can find a way to learn something from them.

Have a happy and healthy 2015!