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Ask A Boston Expert: How To Keep Your New Year's Weight Loss Resolution

Weight Loss
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Every New Year, thousands of people decide that they are going to lose weight. Unfortunately, most people give up within the first couple of months. Personal Trainer Matt Browne is sharing five tips that can help you stay on track in 2016.

Matt Browne, BS, CSCS
MB Fitness & Training
(617) 620-9647
mbfitness@msn.com

Matt Browne is a graduate of Westfield State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Personal Trainer. Over the last 20 years, Matt has worked as a physical education teacher, high school track and football coach, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach and owner of National Sports and Fitness. Throughout his career, Matt has trained many clients ranging from adults looking to improve their health and quality of life to elite athletes looking to reach a peak level of performance. Currently, Matt is the owner of MB Fitness & Training, which provides personal training services at your home or office in the Boston area.

Wake Up And Weigh In!

"Losing weight is tough, so you need to be focused from the moment you wake up. Weighing in first thing every morning will remind you to get focused for the day. Write your weight down on a calendar near your scale and write your goal weight next to it," suggests Browne. He says weighing in daily doesn't allow for people to "forget" about their plan.

"Getting into and staying in the right mindset is critical if you're going to stay on track. Constantly reminding yourself of where you are and where you want to be will only improve your likelihood of success," he added.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

"We've all heard the statement 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.' Being proactive means you have already planned out your day, whereas a reactive person lets the events of the day set the agenda," explains Browne.

"For example, the proactive person has already planned out how they are going to avoid eating poorly at their next social event. They will choose to eat healthy before the event or find out what is being served so they are not left with only bad choices. The reactive person won't plan ahead and will probably end up caving into the temptations around them."

Increase Your Water Intake

"Drinking water throughout the day will help prevent you from eating high calorie snacks or drinking high calorie beverages. Cold water can also help speed up your metabolism. It plays a major role in the absorption of essential nutrients, proper digestion, and will help reduce fatigue. It is essential for overall health and brain function, which if compromised, will make it very difficult to stay focused on your weight loss mission," says Browne.

Related: Boston's Best Outdoor Yoga Classes

Go To Bed Early, Read Something Inspirational

"This will do several things to help you stay on track. First, if you go to bed an hour earlier rather than watch TV, you are far less likely to cave into a snack craving. Also, reading something inspirational will help you stay positive. There are many books that are inspirational that are directly related to weight loss. Thirdly, you will probably fall asleep earlier and will get the rest you need to stay focused on your mission."

Make It A Group Effort And Be Accountable

"Be accountable for yourself and others. There are many ways to set yourself up to be accountable to others. Joining a corporate weight loss challenge with co-workers, signing up for a team kickboxing class at your local karate studio, or hiring a personal trainer are all great ways to keep you motivated and consistent," suggests Browne.

"In order to reach any goal, you must be consistent. Make these types of commitments, log them in your appointment book, and treat them as important as you would an appointment with your boss!"

Follow these tips, do your best every day, stay true to your word, and 2016 will be a great year!

Related: Ask A Boston Expert: 5 Best Snow Day Activities

Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with all of the latest happenings in her city. She loves eating at Boston's hotspots, having drinks at the trendiest bars, and enjoying all that Boston has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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