Did you know what the two New Year’s Resolutions/ goals are that are on almost everyone’s lists?

1. Lose weight
2. Get organised

Judging from the parking lot at the gym, number one is a whole lot more popular at the moment

It also happens to be one of my goals for the year. Granted, I don’t have a huge amount to lost but I am small-framed so every kilo shows quickly.

There are a couple of things I’m doing that seem to be working for me and I thought I’d also share them with you:

1. Decide on an exercise programme ahead of time

I also like a bit of “go with the flow” spontaneity but that just doesn’t go with a weight loss regime.

I checked the gym’s schedule of classes (I only do group workouts) and decided which ones I’d do every week.

One less reason to procrastinate exercising.

2. Make yourself accountable to as many people as possible

I’ve told everyone in my team at work that I intend going to the gym every Monday and Wednesday and that they have the right to check in with me every Tuesday and Thursday to see if I’ve been.

Also, at the end of each class, I tell a couple of the regulars, “see you on Wednesday” so that there’s additional accountability.

3. Set yourself up for success

When I get home from work I change out of my work clothes and straight into my gym clothes. I’ve found that when I’m dressed the part I’m less likely to try and skip the workout.

4. Organise your eating

Every week I decide in advance what I’ll have for breakfast, lunch and supper so I’m less likely to snack on just anything.

I’m by no means perfect but I know I eat a lot less of the wrong foods by planning my meals.

5. Pack your “out of the house” food

It’s good to know what you’re going to eat as in number 4 but when you’re starving and it’ll take 30 minutes to find a healthy meal, you’re more likely to simply grab a bag of crisps and a Coke.

Again, I pre-pack cereals, etc. for the entire week and every night while preparing supper, I empty out my lunch bag and repack with food for the following day.

So far so good.

I’ve only been doing this for two weeks this year but from previous years’ experience, I know this system works well for me.

The one thing I need to stop doing is…

Buying chocolate. I keep saying I’ll only have one little block but so far that’s not working so no more!

What do you do to set yourself up for success with your weight loss and fitness goals? And what do you need to stop doing?