Are you determined to meet your weight loss goals this year? If healthier habits and weight loss are among your new year’s resolutions, give yourself a pat on the back for making health a top priority.

The hard part is actually sticking to it and making real changes! Here are a few tips to help you keep on track with your weight loss resolution.

Write your goals down
If you want to truly do something, write it down. Journals, food diaries and to-do lists are extremely important to your weight loss plan. Put your contract somewhere that will keep you reminded of the promise you have made. The fridge is a great place since this is the main area which will make or break your resolution.

Set a definite date
If you just say you’re going to meet your goal sometime within the year, that will not work. In fact, you will probably fall into the “I’ll start next week” trap. Instead, mark your calendar for a certain date for each goal that you want to achieve. Setting a definite date is a great way to make sure you stick with your plan!

Remove the temptations
Go into your kitchen and remove all bad foods from your refrigerator and pantry. This includes all snack foods such as cakes, pies, cookies, chips, sugar colas, crackers and any “empty calorie” foods that will impede on your weight loss goals. This step is very crucial step since the temptation to cheat will be increased 10-fold if you have cheat foods lingering inside your home. Fill your kitchen with healthy, nutrient dense food, such as:

Lean protein (chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, egg whites)
Fresh fruits (oranges, apples, grapes, strawberries)
Raw vegetables (mushrooms, broccoli, squash, green beans)
Healthy snack foods (sugar free jello, protein bar)
Bottled Water

Meet mini-goalsMake small changes every week and they will add up in time. It’s easier to move little pebbles than an entire mountain, right? Here are some examples of weekly changes you could incorporate into mini-goals:

Week One: Drink 10 glasses of water per day.
Week Two: Take the steps at work instead of the elevator.
Week Three: Switch to diet sodas.
Week Four: Eliminate fried foods.
Week Five: Begin eating one vegetarian meal per week.

By incorporating the important tips above, you will have a better road map to succeed with your new year’s weight loss resolution!