New Year's Resolutions!

The Family's Guide to Keeping Your Resolutions

by Kerry Johnson

You can't stand it. Last January you vowed to lose weight in hope of getting back into those "skinny jeans." By summer, you lost several pounds and were finally able to zip them up, but now it's all come back. Don't feel bad. The holidays do a number on us all, especially on our figures. Running from cocktail party to school pageant, trying to finish off that shopping list, and allowing ourselves more than just the average indulgence leaves most diet plans in shambles by the time January rolls around. You are not alone.

Thousands of people make resolutions to go on diets every year and lose weight -- only to gain the pounds back. How about if this year, you swap fads and half-baked schemes for real commitment and real fitness -- the kind that will even leave you enough time to get to the rest of your resolution list?

Make your New Year's resolution goals simple, practical, and most importantly, make them together as a family. Here are seven tips to turn normal everyday activities into healthful quality time with your family:

Parking Anytime you shop, go to the movies, dinner - park further away. You'll walk more and have more time to talk with your family or think to yourself. Walking the family dog Grab your pup's favorite throw toy and take her to the park! Or spend time with her by taking turns giving her a 30-minute walk. You'll have fun while working in some exercise.

Catching up You burn more calories if you're walking and talking. Instead of sharing your day with your honey over a bottle of wine on the couch, take a walk with him and then reward yourself with a glass!

Renting a movie or drinking coffee Coffee houses are on every corner. So are video stores. Start your day with a walk to the coffee shop, or your evening with a stroll to rent a movie. Just put your frequent java or rental card in your pocket and walk it! "Phone for Mark!" Next time the phone is for a family member or colleague walk over to them to alert them instead of yelling for them from afar. Traveling to different floors. Anytime you see stairs, take them!

Dining with family Instead of waiting long lengths of time for a table at a restaurant or racing home to prepare a three course meal, order a healthy take-out or delivery meal (like a Susan's Healthy Gourmet family dinner) and save that extra hour for sharing your day with your family!

Let this New Year be the one where your personal health resolutions can be accomplished by seamlessly incorporating your whole family without them even realizing it. Every time you order you're guaranteed more time to do the things you love. Now that's something you could actually keep up all year long.