MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - February 28, 2011) - (Family Features) The start of the new year might have already come and gone, but that doesn't mean the resolutions you made need to fall by the wayside. Research shows that one third of people who have made New Year's resolutions will have broken them by the end of January. When it comes to sticking to your resolutions, especially those that will help to shrink your waistline, it's the simple everyday tweaks to your routine that can make a big difference in how you look and feel, all year long.
According to a recent survey conducted by SPLENDA Sweetener Products, with the support of SHAPE Magazine, more than a third of American women think about their weight three or more times per day, and 54 percent of them think that they will reach their ideal weight this year, but are unsure of the best way to do so.
"It's important women know that it's the simple changes that are not only crucial to the weight loss process, but are also the healthiest and most effective in the long run," said Sharon Liao, SHAPE Magazine senior health and nutrition editor. "By incorporating healthy habits into their daily lives, women can start to see real results that will last well beyond the first few months of the year and quite possibly last for the rest of their lives."
Make this year your best yet by getting back on the "resolution bandwagon" and following these healthy tips.
Know the Numbers
More than two thirds of American women surveyed didn't know that it takes 3,500 calories to lose a pound. Simply being knowledgeable about the calories you're consuming daily is the first step to smart and healthy weight management. This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy an occasional slice of birthday cake, but realize you might have to spend more time at the gym or compensate by choosing a lower calorie lunch.
Savvy Substitutions
By becoming savvy with healthy substitutions, you can swap out ingredients and still enjoy your favorite foods for fewer calories. Instead of butter, use light margarine. You can also swap whole milk for skim and use applesauce instead of cream. According to the survey, more than 70 percent of women add sugar to foods and beverages. To cut back on the added calories, try using SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener Granulated instead of sugar in your favorite foods and beverages. It measures cup for cup like sugar. A cup of SPLENDA Granulated has 678 fewer calories than a cup of sugar, so you can have your cake and eat it too!
Eat Up
Women often tend to count calories and skimp on meals by nibbling too-small portions or skipping meals entirely throughout the day, leaving them hungry and more likely to reach for an unhealthy snack. Instead of skipping lunch, grab some greens and pair them with lean protein like chicken, or fiber like apples and nuts to ensure that you are not hungry throughout the day.
Mix It Up
Feeling uninspired by your workout schedule? Just because you're breaking a sweat doesn't mean that it has to be at the gym. Breathe some life into your physical activity by taking a class at the park, walking your dog with a friend, biking or walking to work or taking the stairs.
Reward Yourself
Stay on track with little rewards. Buy yourself a cute workout shirt to get excited about going to the gym. Go out to the movies or book that vacation you've been dreaming about taking. In fact, more than one third of women said that an upcoming vacation would inspire them to lose weight. By putting a vacation on the schedule, you may feel extra motivated to achieve your weight-loss goals.
For more information visit www.SPLENDA.com.
SPLENDA is a registered trademark of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
