Gear Up for the New Year: 3 Resolutions to Help You Lose Weight

If you have set some New Year’s resolution to lose weight in 2017, you surely aren’t alone. In fact, with most people setting resolutions to lose weight or be healthier, you likely have a slew of people around you with the same end goal in mind. Setting a goal to lose weight— especially if you are overweight— is a positive and healthy endeavor. However, unless you have specific goals in mind, you likely won’t stick with it. From eating smaller portions to joining a group fitness class, this article will discuss a few of the ways that you can lose weight this year. Read on to learn more.

1. Eat Smaller Portions

Did you know that the average size of a dinner plate has grown substantially in the last 50 years? And did you also know that you are more inclined to eat less if you have less on your plate? To help you lose weight and not overeat this year, consider either using smaller dinner plates or loading your plate up with less food. You may not believe it, but you will surely notice a difference.

2. Don’t Restrict Yourself Too Much

You may think that the fastest way to lose weight is to cut out carbohydrates and sugars completely, and you’d be right. However, because you aren’t used to eating a diet void of carbs and sugar, you are more likely to fall off the bandwagon if you don’t allow yourself anything good. Rather than restricting yourself, try to eat smaller portions of carbs and sugars, or only eat them on the weekends. Remember that when it comes to dieting, it’s all about moderation.

3. Group Fitness

If you are new to the world of working out, you may be too embarrassed to try a group fitness class— afraid that you won’t fit in. However, group fitness classes are typically filled with individuals of all different ages, sizes, and experience, so you shouldn’t have a problem fitting in. And the best part about group fitness is that there are other people there who will hold you accountable. For instance, if you are considering missing a day of working out, you are more likely to force yourself to go to a group fitness class, so you don’t disappoint your friends.

If you are trying to lose weight this year, consider using the tips listed above. To learn more about weight loss tips, contact our staff of doctors at U Mass Memorial Medical Group.