One in five sticks with New Year's resolutions

As 2004 came to a close, no doubt everyone reading this article made some resolution for 2005. And if you were one of those who did resolve to change in 2005, most likely the No. 1 resolution was to lose weight, and somewhere else in the top 10 was to live a better lifestyle, eat healthier, stop smoking, reduce stress and to improve some relationship with either your spouse, kids or co-workers.

Now that we are almost done with the month of January, are you still one out of five? The only way you can be one out of five is to still be following that New Year’s resolution, completely. Most people are out of the game in five days, some go longer, some cheat, and some just say the heck with it.

Taking the weight off

Losing weight is the top resolution. We all want to shed those few nagging pounds so we will look and feel better.

From personal experience, I can tell you that the older you get, the harder it is to lose the weight. There are so many demands on our time, including children, work, family, church and hobbies. I would just as soon stop by McDonald’s and get a double cheeseburger for a buck so I can rush home and get to work on one of our antique cars. That’s not really the best use of my money or my time. We would all be better served by sitting down at the table together, discussing our day and making each other accountable. Trust me, make it known to your children that you need their help in achieving a goal and they WILL let you know when you blow it!

I have read a number of books and tried everything from Atkins to Metabolife for weight loss. Many of these programs have some merit and do work. Unfortunately, after you have stopped using whatever program it is, the pounds come back and they bring friends. Being overweight is one of the most common reasons that people cannot get the best rates on insurance. In fact, some people would not even qualify for health insurance on an individual basis because of weight. Some of the best advice I have had or read for weight loss are some realistic and basic items that will not only help you lose weight, but will help with your overall wellness. Here is a brief rundown of those tips.

Avoid fried foods and eat portions about the size of your fist or palm of your hand. Also, even if you want 16 pieces of pizza from the buffet, two or three is plenty. Drink your weight in ounces of water each day, i.e. 120 pounds = 120 ounces. Have fruits or vegetables for a snack instead of sugary junk food. Reward yourself once a week for good behavior, but only after you have been faithful for one month!

Work it out

The very best time to exercise is first thing in the morning. Drink two glasses of water when you get up and then exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. If you are not used to this, start slow and work your way up to the time needed. Listen to your body; if things are not going well, it will let you know.

Work out with a buddy. There is tremendous value in having someone else there for support. This person also serves as an accountability partner in making sure you are both doing what you set out to do.

Set goals

I am 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weigh 240 pounds. Trying to look like Patrick Swayze by March 1 is not realistic. I am not sure March 1, 2008, is realistic either, but you get my point. Make realistic goals. Some people will never have the perfect body. Age, lifestyle, careers and past habits all make a difference in how you age and what level of health and wellness you enjoy. Set small, attainable goals. Mine is to lose five pounds per month. If I lose three pounds one week, I am well on my way, however if I want to lose five pounds a week and I only lose one, I will get discouraged and most likely give up.

Lifestyle and balance

Lifestyle changes and regaining balance are paramount in your success. If you don’t make some changes in your lifestyle so you won’t stop at McDonalds for a quick meal, most of your efforts will be in vain. That balance must be to enhance your level of health and wellness. Working 70 hours a week, eating at virtually every place in town or not eating at all and consuming cookies and soda like there will be no more next week will get you exactly where you do not want to be. You must also balance time for yourself and your family. Stress created by having too much to do or not spending time on important things like your family, fellowship and doing the best job possible, will all contribute to how you eat the next meal.

So, are you one out of five or four out of five? You do not have to wait until Jan. 1, 2006, to renew that lost resolution. However, you must make your goals a priority whenever you make the decision to have better health and an improved lifestyle.

Mike Scott is an account executive for Barker Phillips Jackson, an employee-owned independent insurance agency.

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