How is your New Years Resolution?

January 2006 is officially over. Now is a good time to assess how far you've come on this years resolution. If you are like most people, it probably had something to do with losing weight and getting in better shape. Have you already given up on your fitness kick? If so, a kick in the butt and a sensible plan is what you need to get to the finish line. Here are some tips to help you keep your promise to yourself to improve your physical health and wellbeing for 2006 and beyond. Take a long term approach. Long term results come from sustained efforts. Making little changes in everyday life can add up. Instead of using a fad diet to help reduce your weight temporarily, make lifestyle changes for a lifetime of health and permanent weight loss. *Replace sugar laden sodas with water. This simple substitution will cut hundreds of empty calories from your diet. One pound of fat is 3,500 calories, which is equal to around 23 8 ounce servings of soda. One 20 ounce bottle is 2 1/2 servings, so 9 bottles cut eliminates the potential for another pound of fat. This is a no brainer, and doesn't even require extra exercise! *If you dine out often, replace greasy and fattening side dishes (or main courses even) with a salad. Most restaurants offer a number of different salads to satisfy those seeking healthier alternatives. A large order of french fries at a popular fast food chain is 520 calories, as opposed to 90 for a plain caesar salad. This saves 430 calories! Choose grilled meats over fried meats to keep the calories low. Don't think of a salad as a sandwich served on lettuce. *Make an effort to move your body everyday. It doesn't matter how. Move your body through dance, walking, running, biking. Or use a treadmill, elliptical trainer or attend a fitness class such as spinning or step class. 20 to 30 minutes daily will help to build endurance and improve fitness. *Keep track of what you eat in a day. This will help pinpoint problem areas. If you start to notice patterns, you can address them. You might find that you eat a candy bar or doughnut as a mid morning snack every day without even realizing it. Knowing that you are doing these things is the first step in making changes to fix them. Don't get discouraged! There are millions of people just like you, wanting to feel better, look better and get healthy. You too, can be one of them. Simple changes can really go a long way. If you need ideas, support or motivation, consider joining a weight loss club, or online community. You can find constructive ideas to help attain your goals and support from people that have the same goal as you do... A long life filled with health and fitness.