January is the time for New Year’s resolutions and making healthy changes is often top on everyone’s list. It isn’t a surprise that weight loss is one of the top 10 resolutions for the New Year. If you want your weight loss goals to stick through the snow and slush, here are 6 simple tips to keep your resolutions on track:

• Have attainable expectations. Focus on short-term goals. To say you’re going to lose 40 pounds in a month isn’t attainable, realistic, or healthy and will set you up for weight- loss failure. Make goals that you know you will keep and shoot for a realistic weight loss of 1-2 pounds a week.

• Focus on Health and Lifestyle changes. Studies have shown that people who focus on weight loss for health verses an event (like a wedding or class reunion) are more likely to have long-term weight-loss success. Focus, instead, on adding exercise this year, getting your cholesterol or blood sugars under good control, or sleeping a full eight hours each night to help promote good health.

• Have a plan. Including 3 small meals a day and small snacks will help control hunger when losing weight. Plan on adding colorful produce, whole grains and low-fat meats and cut back on processed foods and high sugar items like soda pop.

• Skip the fad diets. Fad diets, pills, and magic potions don’t work. They may allow for quick fixes, but often cause you to gain more weight once you stop.

• Get support. Find support through a friend or family member. Encourage someone to exercise with you or go grocery shopping together. This way, you always have a buddy to keep you accountable.

• Revisit your goals often. Plan on revisiting your goals every few months. Things change and sometimes goals that were once important are no longer necessary. By consistently updating your goals, you will help reach your weight loss needs.

About Heather: Heather Stefan, RD, is a health educator and a licensed provider for Real Living Nutrition Services. She is also a wife and a mom of three young daughters. Heather enjoys encouraging families to focus on using fresh produce, limiting processed foods, and cooking meals together. For more information about her and her weight loss services, go to www.heatherstefanrd.com