4 Keys to Weight Loss Success in the New Year   It’s that time of year again! We head to the gym and “diet food” isle in hopes of shedding the holiday pounds. So how did that work for you last year? Not so good, huh. Make this the year you succeed by changing your lifestyle and doing it the healthy way! Use the following tip to help you get off to a successful start. 1. Where are You? Where do you want to be? Recognize past is past– start fresh today! Figure your daily calorie intake goal for weight loss. Go to my FREE Stuff page and calculate your caloric needs. Now, if weight loss is your goal you need to eat fewer calories per day than your body needs. So to lose 1lb a week you need a negative calorie balance of 500 calories per day. And to lose 2lbs a week you need to reduce your calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. Restock your kitchen-go home and throw out ALL the seasonal treats, leftovers or other high calorie foods. Now, you have room to go shopping for healthy foods that will fill you up. See grocery shopping tips on next page. Measure up- for a couple of weeks measure that mayo, dressing, cheese and cereal, etc. Do you know what a true portion is? 2. Cut calories, not flavor or satisfaction. Put breakfast to work for you- research shows that people who eat breakfast burn 200-300 calories more per day and are more likely to lose weight. Distract yourself when cravings strike- take a short walk, wash your face, paint your nails, call a friend, drink some water, go to bed early. Experiment with adding herbs and spices- don’t just eat plain bland foods! Slow down- chew each bite well, set your fork down, take your time, give your brain time to tell you when you’re full. 3. Stay the course and stay motivated! Don’t beat yourself up. So you totally blew your diet at lunch, get back on ship and have a light healthy dinner. Tomorrow is a new day! Keep your food log and don’t be defeated. Keep it fresh. Try new recipes and foods weekly. 4. Go for the Goal! Set out to reach your goal weight. Keep motivated by treating your self to a new pair of athletic shoes, workout outfit, pedometer, training session, gym membership. Take charge at restaurants. Think ahead and plan to go to places that you are sure you can get something healthful. Put half of your meal in a to-go box first thing, that way you are sure not to overeat.   Make this year the year you STAY THE COURSE and REACH THOSE GOALS! No more yo-yoing, no more fad diets…do it right this time. Check out my Healthy Grocery Store Tour- it’s ALL you need to learn exactly what and how to eat PLUS you’ll get great exercise and motivational tools that will keep you focused and making progress throughout the year! Click Here for details.