February 1...New Year's Reso-what?!

Many people will have already forgotten that they made New Year's resolutions by the time that February 1 rolls around. Having proclaimed grandiose ideas about eating cardboard and drinking water, while running 15 miles per day, most people haven't the stamina to make too many changes all at once. Some people don't have the will-power. Others don't have the skills. What's your excuse? Or maybe you're doing great. If so, congratulations! If not...here are a few tips if nutrition is on your list:

Tip #1: It's okay to start over! Every day, every meal is a new opportunity to make good decisions. So you screwed up and got off track...that's okay, but don't stay there. Recognize that you're going the wrong way and turn around. Start implementing some better decisions at the next meal. The more that you practice good decision making the more you will be able to do it consistently...and consistency is our friend when it comes to creating new habits.

Tip #2: Write it down! Studies have shown that people who track their behavior are more successful. In the world of nutrition that means a food log, diet journal, online or on paper, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you write everything down and then you look at it. If you have to write it down, you're less likely to eat it!

Tip 3: Get accountability! People who have a partner are more likely to be successful. Who's your accountability partner? Someone that you can call and say..."I'm thinking about eating the whole cake...talk me down off the ledge!" Perhaps your call won't be that drastic, but it might be. If food is a struggle for you, you need to be friends with people who are doing well in this area. A Registered Dietitian can be a great accountability partner and can help you create a plan for managing the temptations that come along.

Finally...Tip #4: Be gentle with yourself. You're a work in progress. Food can be many things to many people. Sometimes it's comfort, sometimes its love, often times it's more than just food. If that's your issue...be gentle with yourself. Use the tips above to make slow, consistent changes and you will see new habits develop that lead to real change.

We're only one month in...don't be afraid to jump back on the wagon! I'll see you there.