How's the 2011 Weight Loss Resolution coming? Tips to start and keep going!

So, 23 days have passed since the beginning of the year.  To be more precise, 3 weeks since the first Monday of 2011.  Many, many people started their "lose weight, tone-up" resolutions and hopefully many are still at it.  Typically, a habit takes about 3 weeks to stick and it is easier to start one than to stop one. 

 For those who still need to get into that habit, here are a couple of tips:

• Take small steps. Don't try to do everything at once. (So, instead of "I'm going to exercise every day," start with "I'm going to exercise twice a week.")

• Only try to change one habit at a time. (Instead of "I'm going to quit eating junk food, start exercising, and go to sleep at 10 p.m. instead of 2 a.m.," start with "I'm going to quit eating junk food.")

• Write down the habit you want to change, and write down specific plans for achieving that goal. (Rather than writing "I will exercise," write, "I will start walking 30 minutes twice a week, on Monday and Thursday, and I will wake up at 7 a.m., so I can walk before work on those days.")

• Repeat the behavior you're aiming for as often as you can. The more a behavior is repeated, the more likely it is that it will become "instinctive."

Just remember, it's a marathon and not a race...stay focused and you can do it!