Changing habits are hard! No matter what your New Year’s resolutions may be, statistically speaking, you probably won’t achieve it. I don’t mean to be downer, but only 8% of people are successful with their New Year’s Resolutions. Since losing weight is the top pick every year, let’s figure out a way to beat the odds!

1. Break down your goal into simple, monthly steps. Instead of saying, “I’m going to lose weight” as your goal, make your first goal to change something in your diet for the better. Maybe that’s decreasing the amount of soda you drink from 5 a day to 1 a day or if you eat out a lot , your goal is to cook at home 4 days a week.
2. Make your goals realistic. You want to make changes you can stick with for a lifetime. Cutting out something that you love, like dessert, probably won’t last forever. Instead of cutting it out completely, just modify it to be healthier, such as only having dessert 1-2 times a week.
3. Just start! Often getting started is the hardest part. We can make excuses as to it not being a good time, but life usually doesn’t slow down, so just start. Once you take action toward your goal, the momentum starts and you are more likely to continue toward your goal.
4. Accountability. Find someone or something to help keep you accountable. If there is a family member or co-worker that has similar goals, try working together to reach your goals. They could be your work out buddy or lunch buddy, or maybe you just touch base on the phone weekly to see how each other is doing and keep each other motivated. If you don’t have someone, use an app, website or journal that you can input your goals and it will help you see your progress.

The USDA is launching a new program on 12/28/16, called My Plate, My Wins! You can go to their website at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplate-mywins for tips and tools to help make small, practical changes for a healthier lifestyle.

Wishing you health and happiness in 2017!