It’s January 2nd. Have you Broken Your New Year’s Resolutions Yet?

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? I did. They’re the same ones I made last year. And probably the year before that. And the year before that. The broken record that plays in my head every holiday season to eat healthy, get more exercise and lose a few pounds – and that I ignore completely from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day – frames my New Year’s resolutions year after year after year. And, while I start out with the best intentions and the most stalwart resolve, I inevitably lose my way, usually around Valentine’s Day when  the temptations of that holiday become too irresistible to ignore. Sound familiar? Yeah. We’re not alone.

A recent MSN and Impulse survey revealed that nearly 30 percent of people said they want to eat healthier in the New Year, either by eliminating junk food or starting a new diet. (I’d argue that that figure is quite a bit higher.) I see evidence of it in my gym which, come January 2, is filled with new faces and ones I hadn’t seen in months. In fact, many gym managers say that gym memberships spike by as much as 30% in January which is the busiest month of the year for fitness enthusiasts. (They also say that January’s spike is followed closely by a spike in memberships in February. However,  the cruelest month of the year is also the least busy in terms of gym visits. Blame Valentine’s Day. I do.)

So what’s a good-intentioned, slightly overweight and out of shape person to do? (And, disclaimer, I refer to myself, not to you, dear reader.)

Well, to help people keep their New Year’s resolutions and reach their goals, MSN recently launched 21 Days of Healthy Habits and has partnered with nutritionist and author Keri Glassman, to provide tips and advice for healthy living in the New Year.

Recognizing that we all need a little motivation,  Kerri’s tips will be featured throughout the 21 days along with her expertise to help make healthy eating a reality.

Here, a preview …

Think of every meal as a “Monday morning”

People too frequently throw in the towel after making one “bad” diet decision. Instead, think of every meal like a “Monday morning.” Don’t we all start the week off on a healthy note?  If you compartmentalize each meal you will be much less likely to let one little slip throw you completely off track.

New Year, New You … Clean Slate, Clean Pantry

Clean out your pantry. Spend five minutes pulling out items that are either old, unhealthy, or that you simply over-consume. Ditch ‘em or donate to a local food pantry and make room for new healthier foods. This also helps you get organized for meal planning.

Become a Planning Professional

Going out to eat? Have your strategy ready, whether it’s ordering a child’s portion, splitting an entrée, asking for sauce or dressing on the side, or having fruit for dessert.

Write down a list of produce you want to eat this week. People who commit to a concrete plan to eat more fruits and vegetables are twice as likely to stick with that plan.  Adding veggies to your meal can automatically help you reduce overall caloric consumption at the meal.

Exercise the Buddy System … Literally!

Everyone knows it is more fun to work out with someone else, so ask around at work or in your neighborhood for a new weight-loss buddy. Finding someone you can brag to a little about your successes – or confess to when you’ve had a setback – will provide solid support, and may even provide a little healthy competition. In fact, studies show you work out harder when you’re exercising with someone you perceive to be in better shape than yourself.

Embrace your Inner Chef

If you were super busy with all of that last minute holiday planning, I’m sure cooking healthy dinners was far from the top of your list. Now that the New Year is upon us, take the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Try some new spices or a new kitchen gadget. Maybe you got a slow cooker for the holidays or a new mandolin. Give them a test drive with a new, healthy recipe.

Ignore Valentine’s Day

This tip is mine, not Kerri’s. I am declaring a moratorium on Valentine’s Day this year – and you may want to do the same, if it’s the destroyer of your hard work and motivation. So darling husband, dear children, loving relatives, friends and anyone else who wants to shower me with yummy chocolates or those colorful little candy hearts printed with cute sayings that I find so irresistible and addictive, please keep your candy to yourselves this year. I love you and I appreciate the sentiment, but my spirit is weak and easily tempted by sweet confections. You, reader, may want to proclaim the same.

Good luck with your resolutions! May you keep them all year long.

Here’s to a healthier you – and me – in 2013!

For more information on the 21 Days of Healthy Habits, you can also visit the MSN Blog.