Whether or not it was your resolution for 2015, it’s always nice to start out the New Year with fitness or eating goals in mind. After all, there’s just something about January that allows us to start with a fresh and clean slate. More often than not, however, throughout the year we trail off and revert back to our unhealthy habits. Such as eating junk foods, failing to workout, and essentially forgetting all our goals that we had for the year.

Just by planning a little better up front (now) we can eliminate that process of failure. Where we continue to make healthy choices throughout the year. Then by following this new routine, rather than sticking to our own accord, we can work toward a much more successful 2015. One that leads to a better and healthier you for months to come.

Start Small

Oftentimes, folks are gung-ho and decide to cut calories and work out multiple times a week. All at once. And while this might lead to the biggest (and quickest) results, it also can lead to one of the biggest chances at failure. Because you’re changing so much so quickly, it can be hard to make it stick. Multiple changes are also so far out of your normal routine that it can be hard to make yourself follow the new rules. Even when you have the best of intentions.

Compromise

Rather than cutting out everything unhealthy, look for simple ways to incorporate nutrition into daily cooking habits. For instance, opting for cauliflower rather than potatoes, or going light on the cheese. Maybe trading out whole milk for 1% or skim.

You can also compromise with exercise. Opting to walk or ride your bike rather than driving. Just by adjusting a few decisions every day, you can work to create better health with minimal effort. It’s a routine that can also lead to healthier decisions over time. Allowing you to feel better, and therefore actually want to spice up each day for the better.

Write it Down

Write down goals. Write down weight loss dates – as they happen as well as how you want them to happen. Write down recipes that were especially tasty – along with adjustments on how they can be changed for a flavorful twist. The more you keep track of, the easier it will be to follow and follow up on how far you’ve come.

Or, for the techies, use a digital calendar instead – so long as it’s documented, you’re in the clear!

Strength in Numbers

Don’t be afraid to reach out to others about your health goals. They might be willing to diet or work out alongside you. Or, if they’re not into your new health kick (or are way too into it), they can act as your support system. Those who cheer you on when you’re doing well, and who motivate you when you’re not feeling up to the challenge.

Finding a Routine

Like anything, the more you do it, the better (and easier) it becomes. The healthier your daily routine, the better you feel, and therefore, the more body-conscious decisions you want to make. Falling into habits will also make aspects of living “better,” easier. For instance cooking breakfast rather than going through a fast food joint. In the beginning, it might seem like a hassle, but after a few days, or even weeks, it’s just another part of your day.

Becoming healthier doesn’t have to be a chore. Just by changing a few daily habits, and using proven ways to do so, you can create a change of lifestyle that better benefits yourself, and sticks to an ongoing healthy routine.