By Theresa Stahl, RD, LDN 

Q: How can I make my New Year's resolutions last this year?

Each new year offers a wonderful opportunity to start over—to begin again.  A new year to do all the things you’ve wanted to do. A fresh start to meet new goals.  It’s a great time to think about the year gone by and to make plans and goals for the one ahead.  

Here are some practical steps to help make your New Year resolutions last:

• Write down your goals. Be specific.  Put them where you’ll see them and be reminded of them.  Make them realistic.  
•  If you resolved to eat better, this is a big goal without specific action steps for success.  A smaller, more specific goal might be, “I will eat fruit with every meal,” or “I will eat beans every other day,” or “I will eat whole wheat bread,” or I will eat salad daily.”
•  If you resolved to lose weight in the new year, try taking specific, practical steps such as keeping food records.  Identify foods or drinks that you could eliminate or decrease.  For example, if you drink soda with lunch and dinner, switch to water.  If you drink a daily latté, decrease your intake to 2 or 3 times a week and drink hot tea on the other days.
•  If you resolved to increase your exercise, sign up for an exercise class and get the dates on your calendar.  
•  Enlist support.  We’re more likely to stick with our goals if we have supportive people around us.  People who exercise with others are more likely to maintain their exercise routine.  
•  Reevaluate your plan on a monthly or biweekly basis. Make changes as needed.
•  Go easy on yourself as you make progress.  I love the saying, “progress, not perfection.”  It allows for the reality of everyday living.