As the last page on the calendar is turned, we all start thinking about resolutions for the New Year. Two resolutions are made by most of us year after year – stop smoking or lose weight. Sadly, research tells us that resolutions are broken within 3 weeks of making them. How can you make 2011 the last time you make losing weight your New Year's resolution? Keep reading! To accomplish your resolution it's important to avoid some common mistakes – not setting clear goals and trying to change too many things all at once. These mistakes lead to limited, early success that can't be sustained. So this year we are proposing you try a method that may take a bit longer but won't need to be redone each new year.Instead of changing your eating habits all at once, pick one thing to work on each month. By the end of the month the change should be an easy part of your daily routine and by the end of the year you'll have made 12 healthy changes that will be easy to maintain. Here's how it works.The first month focus on eating 3 servings of vegetables each day. Have a serving with lunch and two servings with dinner. Planning meals weekly keeps the task manageable to help you to stay on track. By the end of the month you'll be a pro at getting in your vegetable servings daily. Then it might be time to tackle portion sizes, unconscious eating or drinking more water. Just remember with each goal to develop and implement a plan.This same strategy can be used with exercise. Don't go from not exercising at all to working out 60 minutes 7 days a week. This is a formula that only leads to injury and failure. Just like your eating plan, start slowly, plan and practice your change for a month, then make adjustments.This method will not only help you reach your goals but also help you maintain positive changes for a lifetime. And next year when it's time to flip the last page on the calendar your New Year's resolution can be for other things – like helping to achieve world peace, find a cure for cancer, etc.We here at Sound Bites Nutrition wish you a very happy, healthy New Year! If you need help with your weight loss/healthy eating goals or meal planning, email or call Barb (barb@soundbitesnutrition.com; 513-520-3981) or Lisa (lisa@soundbitesnutrition.com; 513-675-6780) for more advice.