Tips to stick to your New Year's resolution to lose weight

If losing weight is your New Year's resolution, these tips can help you stick with your plan in the long run.

Decide on your health goals for the upcoming year in order to have something to work toward. It can be helpful to discuss particulars with your nutritionist or doctor in order to set realistic and healthy goals. Track those goals week-by-week by weighing yourself in order to ensure that you are working toward them while also allowing yourself some day-to-day flexibility in your routine and diet.

Losing weight is not just about eating healthier, but also about changing one's overall lifestyle. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine is an important part of staying healthy and fit. If you do not have a particular type of exercise that you enjoy, take a look at group fitness class offerings at your local gym. Often, gyms have a wide variety of fitness classes, giving you the opportunity to explore different types of workouts without making a long-term commitment.

Having a friend with whom you can discuss your progress can help you to stay motivated and feel supported. Make losing weight fun by exchanging recipes, cooking together, or exercising as a pair. Another alternative is to join a weight-loss club that may offer weekly meetings led by a mentor who discusses strategies for losing and keeping off weight.

According to the Institute of Medicine, the average man should drink approximately three litres of water a day, and women should drink 2.2 litres. Apart from the health benefits of staying hydrated, drinking enough water helps to avoid overeating. Many diet plans, in fact, recommend drinking a glass of water before every meal. When choosing a beverage to accompany a meal, get into the habit of opting for water. Remember that juices, alcoholic beverages, and sodas are particularly high in sugar and add unnecessary calories to your diet.

If you have made losing weight your New Year's resolution and need a little extra motivation, give these tips a try. Remember, however, to remain patient with yourself. Losing weight is not always a linear process and it does not happen over night.