Brampton - Many of us have made a New Year's resolution to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle, but studies show that only 20 percent of people who make these resolutions reach their goals.Fortunately, groups that offer support - such as TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)—can help.

Researchers point out that the most difficult goals are easier to reach in the company of people who share those same goals. Organized groups provide essential support. Besides providing companionship, group support offers inspiration, helpful information and a buddy system that will help you celebrate your successes. They can also help you get up when you fall and gently redirect you when you're tempted to make excuses.

Changing our eating habits is easier than ever today, with just a little effort. We now have food products that make it much easier than just abstaining. With the advent of fat-free dairy products, sugar substitutes, fat substitute products we can change our daily diet and not feel like we suffer any real loss in intake or taste.

Of course, the best diet is controlled intake of a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with moderated intake of protein fats and a good regimen of daily, not necessarily strenuous exercise.

The body life cycle is amazing indeed. Some are blessed with a fast metabolism, eating constantly and never gaining an ounce. Others are not so lucky and must count every calorie. The body also goes through age cycles. Younger bodies tend to shed calories faster, partly due to the higher activity rate. As we age, we become more sedate, and there is a metabolic change in many, even those who once were always thin. Exercise should be an important part of your daily routine.

Consult Your Physician About Your Diet
The first step in any diet plan is a consultation with your physician. A surprising number of weight problems are due to diseases or conditions that need to be treated, such as diabetes. Fad diets are not the answer. They may work in the short run, but it's not worth taking risks with your health. Common sense dictates the advice of your physician before embarking on any diet, particularly if you have diabetes, heart problems or other physical ailments. Don't forget to consult your physician about any exercise plan. Be sure to proceed from a beginner's pace and then slowly increase to a more advanced level as you get used to exercising more.

Experts encourage people, during the holiday season and the rest of the year, to start each day with a healthy breakfast, preferably one containing some protein, which takes longer to digest and helps our bodies feel satisfied longer. "Skipping meals not only slows down the body's metabolism, it also makes it much more likely that we will binge between meals or later in the day when hunger overtakes us.The following breakfast choices minimize binge eating during the holidays:

·Dry cereal with fat-free milk and fresh fruit
·Oatmeal with fat-free milk and raisins
·Whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and banana
·Corn tortilla with beans and cheese

HERE'S TO A NEW YOU AND A HEALTHIER NEW YEAR!!!!!!
 

Choices

Some people sit, some people try;
Some people laugh, some people cry;
Some people will, some people won't;
Some people do, some people don't.

Some people believe, and develop a plan;
Some people doubt, never think that they can;
Some people face hurdles and give it their best;
Some people back down when faced with a test.

Some people complain of their miserable lot;
Some people are thankful for all that they've got;
And when it's all over, when it comes to an end;
Some people lose out, and some people win.

We all have a choice, we all have a say;
We are spectators in life, or we get in and play;
Whichever we choose, how we handle life's game;
The choices are ours, no one else is to blame.

For further information on Take Off Pounds Sensibly you may view the website at www.tops.org; or call 1-800-932-8677 or locally contact Diane Lancaster at dilancaster@sympatico.ca ; 905-459-2363.

Submitted by Diane Lancaster: "I am a long-standing member of Take Off Pounds Sensibly.  Nutrition has been a way of life.  I successfully lost 30 lbs over 33 years ago and manage to keep that weight in control ever since by eating sensible.  Nutrition is all a matter of balance".