How to make, and keep, a resolution
It may seem early to be thinking about New Year's resolutions, but Dr. Rich O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, says the key is to plan ahead and practice so you get it right.
Statistics from the National Weight Control Registry show that of the people it's been following since 1994 who've lost an average 66 poinds, and kept it off for 5.5 years, 98% have modified their eating and 94% increased physical activity.
O'Neill says we all know that's what it takes, but the trick is to make it work for you. Making a plan is the first step, but more importantly, you have to identify where the plan goes bad, and have a plan b for working through the rough spots. And, says O'Neill, don't get discouraged: it's not uncommon to fail several times before you get it right, and what's important is to keep trying with alternatives for success.
