"New Year, New You!"

Introduction: Ask Yourself Why (Part 2)

Your first step on your weight loss journey for this week is to write in your journal or compose a letter to yourself listing all the reasons why you want to lose weight. Please take a moment to reflect on your true motivations for weight loss. Be honest with yourself. No one but you will see your list. Be sure to put it somewhere you will be able to find it when you want it. As you progress, you may wish to add more reasons to your list. You will probably want to refer to it now and then to keep yourself motivated.

Whether this is your first attempt to lose weight or your 20^th try, it’s very important that you make sure your goals are clear and that you are ready to commit to your efforts. It sounds trite, but you need to do this for you, not for anyone else. Don’t worry about your reasons sounding selfish or self-centered. You need to look out for you.

By the way, if you are starting a diet or exercise program in the new year, you should check with your doctor before you drastically change your eating habits or you begin an exercise regimen. Also, make your physician and/or pharmacist aware of any supplements that you plan to take to make sure they will not interact with any of your current medications or affect any health issues like high blood pressure.

So, are you ready to get started on this weight loss journey? I sure am! Join me next week for part two of our "New Year, New You!" series.

Related Resources:

• Even if you feel isolated because of your weight, you need to know that you don’t have to do this alone! You’ll find a out how to obtain the additional support you need from your family, friends, and in your neighborhood, as well as through support groups and online. Get yourself a Friends and Family Plan!
• This time of year offers us a chance to re-focus on our goals. Have you made health-related resolutions? If you need some help sticking to them, you may enjoy our feature article, Are You Resolved?.