How to stick with - instead of sabotage - your resolution to eat healthier

How to stick with - instead of sabotage -
your resolution to eat healthier

One way to gauge how many New Year's resolutions were made is to pay a visit to your local gym in January and February. Try finding a parking spot, or a free stationary bike. Of course, if you visit your gym regularly, as the months pass, you'll find plenty of spots to park in, bikes to ride, and lockers to fill. It's all about persistence.

If you could only apply that same determination to your New Year's eating resolutions. Fill in the blanks:

· I will eat less this year.
(sugar, salt, bad carbs - you name it)

· I will eat more . (fresh fruits, vegetables, etc.)

· I will cut my portions by .

So how do you stick with your healthy eating plan? Here are a few basic guidelines:

What exactly is a healthy weight? One way to gauge an individual's healthy weight range is based on a healthy body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9. To determine your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703; divide that answer by your height in inches; divide that answer by your height in inches again.

Once you figure out what your weight should be, you then can figure out how many calories you need to maintain that weight. An easy way is to multiply your weight by 15. Of course, if you're more active you can increase your caloric intake.

You'll notice that we haven't used the "D" word at all here (diet, in case you were wondering). That's because the most successful healthy eating plans aren't diets but changes in lifestyle. If you always take the elevator at work, take the stairs instead. If you have three eggs for breakfast, settle for two.

Make it a rule to buy seasonal varieties of fruits and vegetables from the local store, farmer's market, or directly from some farm outlets in bulk quantities. You will be surprised to find that this can be far cheaper and tastier when compared to the frozen, non-seasonal produces. Seasonal vegetables are more nutritious as well, containing significant amounts of vitamin-B, iron, calcium and minerals. If you add a touch of cheese, you can turn any of your classic recipes into a feast, with 2 or 3 food groups already on you plate.

The key is always moderation. Don't deny yourself the pleasures you enjoy. But don't expect to make these changes overnight. Give yourself time, and take one day - one meal - at a time. See you at the gym!