New Year’s Resolutions from Evette Rios
If you are like me, chances are you have a resolution to get in shape in the New Year. It’s one of the top resolutions in America. For me, like many new moms, the challenge is how to lose my stubborn baby weight. During my pregnancy, I gained a healthy amount of weight and tried to eat nutritious foods that would provide my baby and my body with the nutrients we needed. But now post-pregnancy, that stubborn leftover baby bulge has found its way to my midsection, which has made me feel chunky and less attractive. So, this year I am going to focus on battling my bulge and get into the best shape of my life. That’s right. It’s all happening in 2015! Here is what I am going to do.
I have lost weight in the past, and as hard as it is to do, it really is pretty clear-cut. Weight loss is simple math– calories in versus calories out. Ideally, you burn off more calories than you eat so that every day you are gradually losing weight.
- Slashing “calories in” is one way that I plan to tackle weight loss. I am going to add more veggies to my diet, eating all of my favorite foods with higher calories over salad greens instead of bread and pasta. For example, if you love chicken parmesan, try it over mixed greens instead of pasta. You’ll feel satisfied, get additional fiber from the veggies without missing the carbohydrates.
- Staying hydrated is key! I drink a variety of beverages including water, 100% juices, coffee, tea, milk, flavored water as well as other low- or no- calorie beverages. This year, I am going to try to reach for the low- and no- calorie options first.
- I am going to limit my eating after 9pm, as eating late can sometimes affect my sleep. This is tough because we have a new baby and getting him to bed on time trumps eating dinner, but I am going to try.
- Hitting the gym or exercising at home at least three times a week. I love being at the gym, but sometimes my schedule just doesn’t allow it. Even on your busiest days, it’s so easy to sneak in a workout in other ways—call up a friend and go on a walk in your neighborhood, or look up some at-home exercises you can do in your own living room. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, you just have to commit to it!
- Walking at least 10,000 steps a day! A pedometer is a fun and inexpensive health gadget. It gives you an easy way to track your activity.
- I LOVE sweets and desserts. They are my favorite, but now, I am going to experiment with my recipes and substitute some of the sugar with low and no-calorie sweeteners to get the sweetness I am looking for with less calories.
- Like many people, I love seeing results, and sometimes if you don’t track your progress you never know what your results are. I have used apps to help me connect with other fitness-minded folks, but also to track my progress over the weeks.
- To make sure I have the right ingredients on hand in the kitchen for cooking in the New Year, I’m going to do my best to consistently keep certain key foods on hand in my pantry. From a variety of nuts, to whole-wheat breadcrumbs, avocados, and even dark chocolate—these ingredients are good to have around throughout the entire year! Check out my 12 Tips for Stocking Your Pantry below!
The New Year is a great time to step back, evaluate your goals for 2015, and make a plan. I find if I can commit to just a few things each day, it’s easier to find a rhythm and stay consistent. All it takes is a few small adjustments, and you’re ready for action. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!
Evette Rios is a partner of Together Counts™, a program that inspires calorie balance from the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. She is also host of “Recipe Rehab” on CBS. For more from Evette, visit: evetterios.com.
