At the start of every year, people begin making their New Year’s resolutions and at the top of the list?  Resolving to lose weight!  How many years have you made the resolution to lose weight?  How many years did you quit before the end of January?  Make 2013 the year you finally follow through and drop those unwanted pounds and begin a new, healthier lifestyle. Here are tips to losing weight in the New Year:

Keep Track of Your Progress

You may not realize how much those one-bite snacks are adding up over the course of the day.  If you have children, you may be in the habit of eating what they leave on their plates. Maybe when you prepare a meal you sample a few bites.  Grazing throughout the day this way can really add unnecessary calories and if you aren’t keeping track of them you may not realize just how many calories this seemingly insignificant eating is adding!  Keep a notebook and jot down everything you eat, or download an app to your smartphone to track the foods you consume and get an estimate for the number of calories.

Do Something Active Every Day

Losing weight doesn’t always require a daily trip to the gym.  If your schedule gets messed up or you’re running short on time to do your planned exercise – just commit to doing some sort of aerobic activity for at least 30 to 60 minutes every day.  Studies have shown that you don’t even need to do this time consecutively to benefit from the exercise, so if you need to break the exercise into smaller chunks of time – such as three 10 or 15 minute segments, you will still reap the benefits.

Consider Shakeology for a Meal Replacement Shake

If you are pressed for time in the mornings or on your lunch hour and find those meals to tempt you into eating fast food or unhealthy options because it’s quick and easy – you would greatly benefit from using Shakeology meal replacement shakes.  Not only are they nutritious and delicious, but they’re quick to make and help reduce feeling hungry between meals.

Don’t Throw in the Towel for a Slip-Up

One of the reasons many people give up their weight loss goals before the end of January is because of a single slip-up in your diet or exercise plan.  If you sneak a chocolate chip muffin at breakfast or grab a cookie on your way through the office break room – don’t throw in the towel and give up the rest of the day for one mistake.  In fact, you should allow yourself a treat once in a while, because the more you deprive yourself the more you will crave your favorite treats!  Just continue with the plan and you will reach your goals for weight loss this year.