It’s that time of year.  The time where we want to jump-start our systems, head back to the gym, vow to lose those pesky pounds. If I had a dollar every time someone came to me with a question regarding a new diet or pill, I would be rich!

Here are 8 tips for long-term permanent success (in the non sugar coated form) when it comes to weight loss, weight maintenance and overall health.

1. Education. You have to learn how to read a food label, how to make a grocery list for the week, how to put together meals (for some people, not only for you, but an entire family), what is a correct portion for you, etc. You have to become educated on food and nutrition for life long success. I continue to be amazed by some people’s lack of education when it comes to very basic nutrition knowledge. I implore you instead of throwing money down the drain on another supplement or packaged meal plan, make an appointment with me, or another RD or join one of my classes. You will learn tons and save a whole lotta mula trust me!
2. You have to plan. Period. End of story. It’s not glamorous. It is MOST definitely NOT fun (for most). But it works. It truly does. If you plan out your breakfast, lunch snack and dinner you are less likely to be hungry, to watch your portions and be less tempted to go through a drive thru. (and it saves money. Lots and lots of money). (Check out the Devine Nutrition On the Run weekly menu planner to help assist you in getting healthy meals on the table FAST!)
3. Speaking of drive thru’s. Stop going through them. Please. I beg you.
4. You have to exercise. Have to have to have to. Find something you love or at least something you don’t hate. And do it often. Wear a pedometer and increase your steps daily. Take a class. Join the super fun Run to the Pub. But just get moving! Your body is not meant to be idle. If you sit all day and all night, you need to constantly get up and move to offset this. Get that heart rate up. Life some weights. Do some stretching. Your body, metabolism and heart will thank you down the line.
5. Stop using your kids and significant other as an excuse why you can’t eat healthy. (or your job or other fill in the blank excuse). You can make a meal that can usually satisfy most people. And if not, it won’t be the end of the world. I have 4 opinionated children and an even more opinionated husband. I cannot possibly satisfy everyone every night. Pretty sure most of them would just love it if I made hot dogs and chicken fingers 5 nights a week. But is that the healthiest food for them? No. So guess what. It’s an everything in moderation thing in my house. You do not have to be a short order cook. You don’t have to please everyone at every meal. Make small changes. You can bake instead of fry.  You can add a vegetables, steamed, roasted or a nice salad. You can have fruit for dessert. The possibilities are endless. When I hear someone say, I can’t eat this way, I would have to make 2 meals, 1 for myself and 1 for family. I absolutely cringe. You can make food that is kid friendly but healthy. TRUST ME.
6. Baby steps. Make a small goal and then work towards it. Baby steps are better than none at all. I am not a fan of the “I’ll start my diet Monday” approach. What about your next meal? Can you squeeze a workout in today after work? Can you increase your pedometer step goal? Small changes add up over time. I had an almost wheel chair bound patient of mine increase her steps from 1,000 to almost 6,000 a day just by using this approach. You can do it! Stop listing your excuses and instead list what you CAN and WILL accomplish.
7. Please ditch the sugary drinks. Please, please, please. Your body, heart, pancreas are not a fan. Wean yourself off as much sugary beverages as you can. Drink LOTS of water. Ice cold, water. From a BPA free container. All day. Throw a slice of lemon or berry or cucumber in there. But drink water. It will energize you and help you burn more calories. I really don’t care if you don’t like it. You need to drink it!
8.  You only get one life. Some longer than others. Instead of constantly dieting, taking pills, body shaming      yourslef, embrace your body God gave you,  make goals, stop waiting for Monday to press the restart button!!!

Email or message me at www.kellydevinenutrition.com to learn more about 1 on 1 or group coaching. Get started today. NOT Monday! Devine Nutrition has TWO programs starting this week to fit your needs.

1. St. Xavier Shannon Center 8 week nutrition weight loss class starts this Tuesday, 1/19! Includes sample meal plan, group support and weekly weigh ins.
2.  The REFINE online Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching Program starts this Wednesday. This 10 week program includes 2 virtual consults, daily tips & inspiration by email, tele-seminars, recipes, meal plans, motivation & food journal reviews!More info and registration info on the website: http://www.kellydevinenutrition.com/group-weight-loss-class
   Stay positive, start today! Comment below on some tips you have found helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

~Kelly