New Year's Resolution

New Year's resolution: To abandon my pursuit of looking thin and adopt the goal of being well.

Does your annual declaration to work on your body typically fade by the end of January? The irony is that body work – losing weight and exercising – becomes more necessary with every passing year. This year, use your brain before you use your body:

FIRST: Aim for a healthy body, not one that conforms to the media's image of thinness and beauty that is virtually impossible for most people to attain or maintain. Physical appearance is only part of the package. How you feel physically, the strength of your relationships, and your personal growth and self-esteem will sustain you through life far better than the ability to look super in a swimsuit.

SECOND: Recognize that someone else's body plan won't necessarily suit you. Experts advise that success is more likely if you can identify your own obstacles and solutions to better fitness. If you need to eat better, lose pounds or improve your general fitness, take time to develop a practical plan that you can win with because it meets your personal needs. Use the determination you've shown in former achievements to commit to exercising more – say, 3 or 4 aerobic sessions per week designed to build muscle. This effort alone will raise your metabolism, burn calories and hasten your weight loss, or keep you from gaining. Think consistency and moderation in your exercise and eating habits.

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