For many people, the start of the new year is all about bright beginnings. And if you’re like millions of other Americans, chances are you’ve already thought long and hard about the changes you’d like to make, whether it’s losing weight, starting a fitness routine, improving your overall health, or, ideally, doing all three. So why not make this year your year to stick to your healthy resolutions for good? Whether you’ve recently discovered the South Beach Diet or you’ve already adopted its principles for life, there’s no better time than now to reaffirm your commitment. These motivating tips will help you stick with your goals:

1. Surround yourself with positive people. As you embark on your weight-loss journey, enlist family and friends to support and inspire you. Ask them to encourage you to make healthy decisions and stick by you during challenging times. Or, team up with other members on the South Beach Message Boards or through the Beach Buddy system for online reinforcement. Having the right support will help keep you committed to your goals.

    

2. Be creative. Make one of your resolutions a commitment to introduce new nutritious, appetizing foods into your daily meals. Aim to try one new vegetable a week or experiment with different ways of preparing basic seafood, meat, or poultry dishes. Being creative with foods and recipes will not only help prevent food boredom, but it will also keep you on the right track.

    

3. Set realistic weight-loss goals. Studies show that while crash dieting can lead to quick weight loss, it ultimately leads to more weight gain over time. To help you stay on a healthy path as you shed excess pounds, set realistic goals. With a gradual weight-loss plan like the South Beach Diet, you’ll learn good eating habits, improve your overall health, and keep the weight off as eating right most of the time becomes your lifestyle.

    

4. Reward yourself. Every success counts — big or small. So whether you’ve decided to get off the couch, quit smoking, or kick another unhealthy habit, it’s important to reward yourself for your achievements. Instead of using food as a reward, treat yourself to other things that help you feel good about yourself like new workout clothes or a new (tighter) pair of jeans. Acknowledging your successes will boost your mood and provide you with momentum to keep up with your goals.

    

5. Take a challenge. Join the 2012 New Year's Challenge: Back to Beach Basics, which kicks off Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in the South Beach Diet Community Message Boards. This special 6-week Challenge is designed to help you jump-start your weight loss, improve your health, stay motivated, and reach your goals! As a member of the Challenge, you’ll receive helpful advice and support from our Community staff, Message Board leaders, registered dietitians, and fellow teammates, plus you’ll learn the basics of a healthy diet, how to get creative with your workouts, how to snack strategically, and how to embrace a greener lifestyle. Challenge participants also have a chance to win fabulous prizes, including a free trip for two to South Beach to meet Dr. Arthur Agatston, creator of the South Beach Diet. Not a member? Join SouthBeachDiet.com today, and lose weight in 2012!

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