"This year, I will get out of debt, spend more time with my family, find a better job, quit all of my bad habits and actually become a better person."
Yeah, right.
As one more year winds down, we find ourselves already planning our New Year's resolutions.
The most commonly made resolution by fat Americans, of course, is to lose weight. Every year they make it; every year they break it. So here, resolution-breakers, are some easy ways to drop a few pounds when the new year rolls around.
When it comes to weight loss, small changes can mean big changes.
Take the stairs instead of the elevators whenever you're faced with the choice - you'd be amazed at what taking a few extra steps each day will do.
The most commonly made mistake by Americans trying to lose weight is that they bring themselves out of their elements when dieting. For instance, during the first week or so, they have no problem eating only lettuce, dried fruit and soy products, but it isn't long before the Doritos make their way back into the homes and mouths of Americans struggling to drop those few pounds.
A better way to go about changing eating habits is not to change foods, but to change the levels of intake. To decrease the health risks of heart disease and high blood-pressure, food consumption is essential. Eating fewer calories each day can mean dropping the pounds more quickly.
Just make sure to stick to the routine, because binge-eating is one of the main reasons people break their New Year's resolutions. According to an article published on the Muscletech Web site, it helps to remove the junk food from your home. It is not necessary to completely cut junk food out of your diet, but reducing the amount of empty calories and sugars in your diet can help you quickly drop those unwanted pounds.
Replace over-consumed pop with unsweetened juice drinks because the natural sugars are better for your body than the over-processed ingredients in pop.
Restaurants also contribute to the problem. Because the food they serve is so processed, they would not make as much money as they could if they served adequately sized portions. Instead, they fill the plates so all the food is overlapping, and American people eat until they're about to explode. Don't think I'm pointing fingers; I've done it, too.
Americans are used to cleaning their plates because, as we've all been told, "It's bad to waste food when there are starving kids in China."
Instead of overeating, eat a sufficient portion of food and wait 20 minutes. If you're still hungry, eat an additional small portion.
The Discovery Channel recently aired a special called "Half Ton Man" about a man, Patrick Deuel, who always felt hungry. His doctor had done extensive research and determined that some people are unable to feel full or don't feel satisfied after an adequate serving. His case was severe, but I think we can all learn a little something from him. According to his doctors, Deuel's daily caloric intake was 12,000 calories - six times the suggested amount. By eating fewer calories, he was able to drop drastic amounts of weight quickly without changing the types of foods he's used to consuming.
Another way to stay motivated is monitoring your progress by keeping a journal. If you're putting it on paper, you're less likely to slip up - and I don't think the world needs more than one half-ton person.
Happy New Year, and best of luck to all of you with your 2006 resolutions.
Write to Whitney at
wlhoyt@gmail.com
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
