2010 - the year of the 5%

My New Year's resolution isn't really the typical ones I usually set: lose weight, get my finances in order, etc. etc. No, this year I'm putting a twist on those end results I do want by declaring: I am going to be in the 5%.

Did you know that of all the commitments people make (e.g., start a fitness program to lose weight, order a book on to get your finances in control, etc.) only 5% of people actually follow through! That's a pretty staggering statistic, huh? Actually, pretty depressing. But in my 25+ years of trying to accomplish at least these 2 high priorities - I can honestly, embarrassingly admit - I have been apart of that 95% of all who don't follow through.

So this year - I'm going to become a minority - part of the 5% who do follow through.

Here's an article I read in today's Boston Herald which pretty much hits this on the head - the fact that you have to follow through - make these commitments LIFE LONG. I encourage you to read and hope you, too, will become part of the 5%.

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Bad Habits Weigh You Down - David S. Ludwig and Alice H. Lichtenstein.

Soon after New Year's, millions of Americans will begin a weight loss diet. Unfortunately, most will end 2010 weighing more than they started.

In the last decade, hundreds of clinical trials of weight loss diets have been conducted, and virtually none of them was successful over the long term. Every year, scores of new diets are introduced, yet we continue to grow fatter.

Sharply reducing calorie intake, regardless of diet composition, will cause weight loss. But after a few weeks or months, the body and mind rebel against deprivation. Metabolic rate plummets, pulling willpower down with it.

Which is not to say that we're doomed to incessant weight gain. Human populations have lived amidst abundance for long stretches of time with relatively stable body weight (Americans from the end of World War II until the 1970's, for example). What and how we eat makes a great deal of difference.

But our collective delusion, so apparent at this time of year, is that ideal body weight can be achieved and maintained with a short cut, rather than a lifetime commitment to good health. The facts prove us wrong.

So, this year, resolve not to diet. Instead: (my comments are in red)

1. Eat 3 balanced meals a day. Have a healthy snack when hungry. Stop eating when full. (Beachbody and other nutrition plans recommend 2 snacks when working out regularly)
   
2. Eat only in designated eating areas and not in front of a screen of any type. (I am so guilty of this, something I need to work on)
3. Eat foods that look like they come from nature, not a factory, with emphasis on vegetables, fruits and whole grains. (all the Beachbody programs come with a food guide which all stress this one).
4. Drink unsweetened or minimally sweetened beverages, including water, effervescent mineral water, and tea or coffee with no more than one or two teaspoons of sugar. (have a late night craving? try green tea!)
5. If so inclined, have dessert every night, but keep it light (e.g., fruit, a few nuts or small piece of something you really enjoy). Limit high calorie treats to once a week. (Honestly, I would avoid as many "high calories" treats. I'm taking the approach that AA members do - a close family member has been sober for 15+ years. They say NEVER have alcohol, because you can't stop after one. Well, that's me with sweets - I cannot stop after one! So I'm joining FA - foodaholics anonymous)
6. Do something physically active every day. Walk rather than drive and take the stairs rather than the elevator. (Folks, push play 6x/week! Even more so when you reach your goal weight! This is forever!)
7. Follow items 1 through 6 for the rest of your life. (This is something not many diet programs, gadets, pills, shakes, foolish new diets, etc, DARE tell anyone - because NO ONE will do it - we want a QUICK FIX! Beachbody doesn't stand behind false promises - folks - this is FOREVER - THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES.)