2010 is here and it’s a great opportunity to start fresh. Often the things we want to accomplish in a year, or in a day, get pushed aside for more immediate things to handle. However, the goals that do get pushed aside, may be the ones that are most important to you. There are methods to staying on track with what you really, really want to have in your life, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Below I’ve listed a few tips that can start you off on a successful path to achieving your weight loss goals. A little bit of success goes a long way; make sure you give yourself a good pat on the back after each positive action you take.

1. Dress in a way that’s conducive to looking good. Image consultant, Chloe Taylor Brown, tells her clients that it’s important to feel good on the outside too. When you feel good on the outside, by dressing well, you have more power to control your food intake.
2. Nibble. When you feel a tad hungry, get a low-calorie snack. Best option is to choose something that will be nourish, not just empty calories. Example: a slice of hearty toast with a spread of hummus, cottage cheese, or jam; rice cakes with fruit preserves; skim milk shake; or simply a piece of fresh fruit. This is a workable tactic to defend yourself against the sudden attack of gotta eat everything in the frig!
3. Substitute a high calorie, high fat food for something similar. And add in a sense of humor! A piece of fudge is a piece of fudge, and also roughly 300 calories and 25 grams of fat for a 1 inch square. Instead of blowing your week’s progress in 20 minutes, substitute that food you’re craving for something close. For example, choose a low fat muffin instead of a donut, a hot chocolate instead of a piece of chocolate, a blended fruit smoothie with skim milk instead of a bowl of ice cream, oven baked potatoes instead of french fries.
4. Indulge…a little. Deprivation will sabotage weight loss. Instead of feeling like you have to say no to all the very calorically dense foods,
   give yourself a break. Have a taste, a nibble, a tiny slice. Note: this tactic does not work for everyone. For some, it relieves the stress and denial. For others, it opens the door to overindulgence.
5. Be mindful of what goes into your mouth. Mindless snacking or nervous munching can pack on the calories that lead to unwanted pounds, and they weren’t even enjoyed!