A Guide to Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Weight Loss: Revamp Your Lifestyle

The start of a new year is an exciting time filled with the promise of roaring success and unique opportunities for personal development. For many of us, especially post holiday season, this includes setting healthy New Year's resolutions for weight loss.

There's something about the idea of "new beginnings" that makes us seek out the right tools and resources to help us achieve our health and fitness goals. 

This post will provide you with 21 practical tips to help you make and keep healthy New Year's resolutions focused on weight loss. We'll take a look at how to develop realistic goals and achievable resolutions, tips to stay motivated, and strategies to ensure success.

With commitment and determination, you can meet your weight loss goals and get one step closer to a healthier lifestyle and a happier you!!

Healthy New Years Resolutions for Weight Loss

Start your journey to a healthier you by discovering how to set achievable healthy new year's resolutions for weight loss.

Beginning your fitness journey doesn't have to be hard.

You don't have to start everything at once, either. Pick a few of these amazing healthy habits and let's face them head on!

Better yet, choose one resolution as a goal for each month of this next year and you won't even recognize the new you by goal number 12! You've got this 🙂

Resolution #1: Portion Control

One of the best wellness resolutions is learning how to manage the portions of foods you're eating.

Portion control is your best friend in the world of nutrition. Many of us struggle with portion control. But I want you to think of it like it's a personal compass guiding your eating adventures.

Picture your plate as a canvas where you create a masterpiece of health. By keeping portions in check, you're ensuring your body gets just what it needs, no more, no less. 

It's not about counting every single pea or whole grain on your plate; it's about understanding how much fuel your body truly craves. So, embrace this tool, and let it be your sidekick in building a healthier, more balanced relationship with food!

Resolution #2: Regular Exercise Routine

Physical activity can be a great way to have fun! Yes, I said it.. FUN. To kick off a regular exercise routine, think about what gets your heart pumping in a good way! Like dancing, lifting, or hitting the pavement for a run.

Find what lights your fire and turn that into your workout fuel.

Now, the secret sauce: consistency! Think of it like watering a plant. Your routine needs that regular TLC. Start with bite-sized workouts, sprinkle in a variety of exercises, and gradually increase the challenge.

Make it something fun that you enjoy. Get a personal trainer if you want! Track your progress, and celebrate those small victories along the way!

Resolution #3: Balanced Diet

Balance is the key to many avenues of being successful on your fitness journey. And that's no different when it comes to having a balanced healthy diet.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with food is extremely important when you're trying to lose weight.

Balanced doesn't mean restrictive. It's about finding your rhythm. Switching up the plate from being heavy on only carbs and meats, to adding in more colorful veggies.

You CAN still see progress by eating the foods you love with things you've never tried. I literally didn't even know I loved turnip greens until I tried them!! Now they're one of my favorite side dishes.

Resolution #4: Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is so important and it's an easy healthy new year's resolution for weight loss! Try these 3 simple tips to help you achieve this goal:

1. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day! Having an option within arms reach is the easiest way to hit your water goals. I switch up my water bottles often, but I like carrying my Nalgene because it's so light weight or my Yeti Rambler because it keeps my water cool all day long. 🙂
2. Set reminders on your phone or places you see most often. Life get's busy and remembering to drink your water slips through the cracks. By being proactive and setting reminders, it nudges you to drink water more frequently. Try the Water Reminder App!
3. Infuse your water! I get it, The taste of water is not enjoyable, its plain, LOL. Try infusing your water with fruits, veggies or herbs. My favorite is adding lemon slices! The newer water bottles that have the infusion tubes helps so much because you don't have to worry about drinking pieces of whatever it is you choose! Try the 32oz Brimma Water Infusion Bottle.

Resolution #5: Mindful Eating

Mindful eating has sooo many health benefits!

Healthier eating habits create an awareness to eat at a slower pace which improves digestion, increased satisfaction and overall enjoyment of eating food continuing a healthy balance with mental health.

To eat mindfully, try turning off the TV, putting your phone down and focusing on what it is you're eating!

Resolution #6: Cut Back on Sugary Snacks

I get it. Sugary snacks are extremely tempting and taste so good. But when you're trying to lose weight, they can majorly derail you when they add up.

Cutting back on sugary snacks is a great new resolution to start your fitness journey!

You'd be surprised at how well your body will respond by simply switching ONE sugary snack a day with fresh fruit, dark chocolate or homemade energy bites!

Resolution #7: Meal Prepping

One of the most common new year’s resolutions is learning how to meal prep!

Meal prepping has shown proven success in a weight loss journey. 

When I was trying different healthy new year's resolutions for weight loss ideas a few years ago, this was one of my biggest keys to success.

Meal prepping reduces impulse decisions to eat whats just laying around and easy to make. It provides consistency of healthy choices and manageable portion control.

Choose meal prepping as one of your healthy new year's resolutions for weight loss as an effective strategy in your nutrition goals this year!

Resolution #8: Limit Processed Foods

I swear this was one of my biggest "ah-ha" moments..

Yes, you would think it's common sense that the less processed foods you eat, the quicker you'll see success.

But I mean even down to your packaged "protein" snacks and frozen meals.

Highly processed foods often contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, artificial ingredients, and high levels of salt.

They're typically prepackaged and have a longer shelf life due to preservatives and added chemicals. These items typically lack the nutritional value and health benefits found in whole, minimally processed foods.

So instead, reach for the bagged spinach or frozen fruits and veggies. Think whole foods, "one ingredient" ideas!

Resolution #9: Regular Sleep Schedule

I know we all get told this way too much, but seriously.. MAKE A ROUTINE SLEEPING SCHEDULE.

Routine sleep helps with mental clarity, supports hormonal balance and regulates your circadian rhythm to allow you fall asleep better and faster.

To shoot for better sleep, using a natural sleep aid from a supplement company like Rested AF helps tremendously!!

Shoot for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to wake up feeling rested and recharged!

Resolution #10: Stress Management

It is a known fact. An increased level of stress increases blood pressure, depression, anxiety, creates digestive issues and hugely affects your cortisol levels.

When your cortisol levels are high for an extended period of time your body is affected by weight gain, suppressed immunity, reduced bone density and impaired cognitive impairment. 

The best ways to manage your stress?

Instead of starting the day your day by reaching for your phone, reach for a gratitude journal. Jot down 3 things you're grateful for followed by a quick session of meditation and mindfulness. 

Resolution #11: Tracking Progress

It's extremely easy to forget how far you've come. With anything. Your job, life changes, personal growth and fitness. You look in the mirror and see yourself every day.

You are with yourself TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN.

You're going to miss your small achievements that add up to the big wins! So how do you fix this?!

Document it!

By using side by side pictures on your phone, a fitness app, a food journal, whatever it is that will work for you...

USE IT GIRLFRIEND. 

I swear you'll be so glad you did!! It's the best feeling to see your hard work pay off!!

Resolution #12: Cut Down on Late-Night Eating

Me, your girl, has been guilty, guilty, guilty (SO GUILTY!) of being the late night snacker! When those 3 hour post dinner cravings kick in, it's extremely hard to resist.

Oreos, I'm looking at you!

Creating the habits of eating a balanced dinner, staying hydrated through your day, identifying your triggers and designating a hard "I refuse to eat past 8pm" are some simple ways you can start to change your eating habits.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself! Lifestyle changes and creating new habits takes time and practice. 

Make an effort to not east past a certain time. But if you do, it's truly okay!! Enjoy it and start your next day with the same goal in mind. I promise you're not going to eat late every single night. You will start to build the resistance to late night snacking over time.

Resolution #13: Diverse Workouts

By diversifying your workouts, you keep both your muscles and mind on their toes. From heart-pumping cardio sessions to muscle-toning strength training and the zen of yoga, each workout brings its unique benefits to the weight loss table.

It's like giving your body a thrilling adventure, ensuring that no muscle gets too comfortable and every session is a step closer to your fitness goals.

Don't overcomplicate this one! Create a daily routine of 30 minutes of exercise. My workouts are usually 30-45 minutes depending on the type of workout it is!

Resolution #14: Healthy Snacking

I know I'm not alone when it comes to reaching for the "not-so-great" snacks in the pantry or on the grocery store shelves, but once again this healthy new years resolution for weight loss takes alot of practice.

The more you choose to eat healthy, the more your body will adjust.

You'll start to crave healthier choices. I know, I sound crazy right? I swear this is the case though! And you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you hit this pivotal moment in your weight loss journey!

Resolution #15: Mealtime Slowdown

This kind of goes hand-in-hand with mindful eating but be intentional on how quickly you're eating. When you are so hungry you shove the entire meal in, within about 7 minutes - guilty! - then you're doing your body more harm than good.

You'll end up eating more in the long run rather than eating slowly and knowing when you truly should cut yourself off.

Plus, you'll increase your satiety and nutrient absorption!

Resolution #16: Adequate Protein Intake

Protein is the BEST macronutrient. To create a lean and toned body, you NEED to intake enough protein. The smart goal for protein intake is 1g of protein per 1 pound of your goal body weight.

If you're starting out at a weight that's a good bit higher than your goal weight, then split the difference and make that your protein goal.

Resolution #17: Social Support

Having an amazing support system to back you up and be there when you feel weak is one of the best ways to achieve your healthy new years resolutions for weight loss. 

Friends and family members are there to help support you, guide you and cheer you on throughout your fitness journey. 

Also, finding a group of like minded individuals with similar goals in mind, is a great addition to the support group you choose to surround yourself with!

Resolution #18: Limit Alcohol Consumption

I. Love. Social. Drinking. I just do. I enjoy the taste of a great beer and I love sitting around laughing with my friends while drinking one. However..

Alcohol calories add up FAST. Many drinks, like craft cocktails and ice cold beers, have alot of carbs in them. While carbs most certainly are NOT the devil... the higher carb and calorie numbers will cause a spike in your daily intake.

You do not have to give up drinking if that's a hobby you enjoy!

Just choose to have one of your favorite drinks, or stick to a "vodka soda with lime" route to ensure you're not feeling restricted and can still have fun with your friends!

Resolution #19: Nutritional Education

None of us know everythinggg. If we did, we wouldn't have blogs because no one would be searching for answers to their questions!

Learning is one of the best tools to you could provide yourself with.

Being curious as to how or why things affect us is our human nature. When it comes to nutrition, researching how different foods, macronutrients and micronutrients affect our bodies will sky rocket our success when we apply what we learn.

If you're not sure what kinds of foods you should be eating or how they affect your progress, challenge yourself to research!!

Resolution #20: Regular Weigh Ins

Scales are controversial. Extremely controversial. I've had some patients at work tell me they've never even stepped on a scale to see how much they weigh. While others weigh theirselves dailyyyy.

Weighing in on a routine basis keeps you on track by bringing you awareness. It's not about becoming obsessed with a number. 

But when you step on a scale every day, you can average the week's numbers out to provide you with a more accurate representation of how you're progressing. 

Don't compare day to day numbers. Compare weeks 1-4 and that's how you know which direction your progress needle is moving! 🙂

Resolution #21: Non Scale Victories

I've written a post about non scale victories that you need to read right HERE explaining exactly why you should use non scale victories as a healthy new years resolution for weight loss. 

Tracking the non scale victories - for example, loose pants, increased stamina, longer runs, etc. - you can measure ways that you're making progress WITHOUT the scale. It's easy to have negative body talk when the scale isn't moving from losing body fat but gaining muscle.

Non-scale victories are extremely eye opening and one of the best forms of motivation!!

As the new year approaches, now is the perfect time of year to set healthy new years resolutions for weight loss. Instead of focusing on an unrealistic end goal, break it down into smaller, achievable short-term goals.

Consuming healthy foods and maintaining an active lifestyle that works for you are two key ways to reach your weight loss goals.

Taking the necessary steps to build healthy habits now and throughout the year will help you move closer to your dream body and improved sense of well-being.

So take the initiative to make this year a healthy one and to create the healthy lifestyle you've always wanted!