We all know that one person who says “This is the year. This is the year I’m going to lose the weight.” Well if your New Year’s resolution is to lose a goal amount of weight, get toned or maybe just get into a healthier routine then this is for you! Here are some tips and tricks on how to make your New Year’s resolution last all year!

 Make realistic goals: Start with three goals and make the goals things that you know you can achieve in the next 6 months. Things like lose 5 ponds by a realistic date. Make your walks a few blocks longer every day. Take the stairs. Stay focused. These are all great goals and by writing these down on your phone and planner you’ll always be reminded of what you’re doing this for.

 Don’t be afraid to use social media to show off your progress: Social media can be a great way to get encouraging feedback on your progress from those you love. Remember that the only way this is going to work is if you have people behind you cheering you on. Surround yourself with people who know what your goals are. Posting a picture of the scale or of a pair of jean you finally fit in is always something to be proud about especially if it was on your goal list.

Find a work out buddy!: I can’t stress this enough!!! Whether it’s a trainer at your gym, best friend or boyfriend (like me) you should always have someone by your side helping you achieve these goals!! Don’t be afraid to share with them how you’ve been feeling, what to look forward to or how you’ve seen your body change. Sometimes admitting to them that you might have had 3 slices of pizza because you accidentally watched and entire Netflix series is ok. Make it someone you look forward to seeing and definitely make it someone who will watch all those Netflix shows with you but maybe with some salad instead!

Clean out all signs of last year’s defeat: Start with your kitchen. Get rid of the ramen noodles, “emergency” candy in the back pantry and the chips for a “special occasions”. This will help you, believe me. Look up yummy recipes on Pinterest and don’t be afraid to share your finished products with your social media platform! Quick tip: spend more time on the outside of your grocery store rather than the middle isles. This is will cause you to fill your shopping cart with fruit, veggies, and protein. Another thing; get rid of any frumpy old workout clothes. Sometimes spending some extra money on new workout clothes that you feel confident in makes a world of a difference. Old Navy has awesome work out clothes for a great price!

Be diligent in your diet: Ok, so this is the hard part. I’m not saying you need to cut out everything that maybe a bit of a splurge but just remember what you’re putting into your body. You don’t neeed 3 cupcakes but one at your family BBQ; but one won’t kill you. Keep everything in moderation. I know that when I get stressed out I tend to stop eating and that’s not good. When I am bored I eat which isn’t good ether. This is where you have to stop and think. Replacing things like potato chips with carrots and hummus is great. Try to carry around a bag of almonds and maybe some grapes. These are things that are quick and easy especially if you’re on the go. Also, just because you’re starting this healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to shop at a fancy grocery store. Look for coupons at your local grocery and save money while eating healthy!!

If you try and follow all of these things I promise you’ll see progress. Exercising is so important and should be taken seriously. You’ll feel better, sleep better, be in a better mood and really start to feel confiednet in yourself! You don’t need to be spending hours at the gym but investing in a gym membership would be the first step. Also take advantage of your near by park. Make the effort to exercise even if its just for 30 minuets. Heres how I did it, I hope you do. You got this!

xx-livi

For some more motivation you can follow my good friend Jon Fernandez on Instagram and Youtube @jonfernandez_