Most New Year’s resolutions include setting weight loss goals. I’m convinced that you don’t  have to be severely obese to struggle with maintaining or reaching your ideal weight. For some, trying to lose an extra 10 or 15 pounds can take just as many years to shed as those whose goals are 25 pounds or more.

Oprah is very candid about her constant battle with weight loss. She admitted to celebrating when she reached her weight loss goals by eating.  When I heard her say that, a light bulb went on…I do the same thing!

I am not obese by any means but I notice that whenever I reach my ideal size and weight, I start eating things I deprived myself of during the process. My reasoning always sounds something like this, “Hey, you workout …what’s 1 little cookie gonna do?” Well, the problem is, it is never just 1 little cookie. It’s usually 4-6 cookies (yes, I said 6) and after a few weeks of unhealthy snacking (regardless if I am working out or not) I start to notice a little “dunlap” (when your stomach done lapped over your jeans).

Enough is enough.

This year will be different.  I am going to find a healthier way to eat. I’ve heard the key is portion control. I just have to be honest with myself. I’m not going give up the foods I love (chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc.). I’m just going to eat less of them.

I came across a great site that lists several weight loss meal plans ranging from 1300 – 2800 calories a day. It even provides helpful nutritional guidelines to follow and includes a grocery shopping list with each plan. Finding something you can stick to and integrating it into everyday life is crucial to success. Following one of these plans seems like a good way to start.