4 REASONS TO START YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION EARLY!

Chances are if you are contemplating a New Year's Resolution, shedding those extra pounds is at the top of your list, according to a Marist Poll.

The best time to make a weight loss commitment is sooner rather than later, according to Dr. Pamela Peeke, chair of the Jenny Craig Science Advisory Board who is sharing four good reasons to make a pre-New Year's Resolution.

1. You'll love your holiday photos. How often have you avoided pictures because you didn't feel good about being in front of the camera? So often people will avoid picture taking because they weren't happy with their weight.  Make a commitment now and you can feel healthier and more confident during the holidays and have the photos to remember those special moments.

2. You'll be more proactive and procrastinate less.  You are waiting until January to start a weight loss program but you may be just delaying the inevitable.  To wait can set you up for procrastination and procrastination may actually be harmful according to the Association for Psychological Science, causing higher levels of stress and lower well-being. Resolve to start losing weight now before the holiday madness begins and while you have the drive and momentum that you want to do this.  Motivation is the KEY when it comes to preparing the psyche for any behavior change says Dr. Peeke.

3. Starting Now Means a different Resolution in January.  Begin your weight loss journey now can give you the confidence to tackle a different resolution in January. Make a realistic New Year's Resolution. You want to lose 10 lbs. just set a realistic goal instead of trying to do it in a week or two. Remember, weight came on 1 lb. at a time and that is the way it comes off.  Motivation is the key that will help with your next challenge. A side note, eating many sugary sweets such as those extra Christmas cookies and candy can lead to really feeling low energy, blah, and affecting your mood. This has been proven so why do you want to overindulge.

4. The Time is Right.  Many Americans start the holiday season with Halloween and then it is three months of overindulgence. The average American starts to gain weight around Thanksgiving, with weight gain peaking around the December holidays or the New Year and it can take up to 5 months to lose it according to Cornell University's Food & Brand Lab.  If you can adopt healthy habits BEFORE the holidays, you may counteract these effects to gain less or even maintain your weight during the holidays. Instead of waiting until 2020 to make changes, get a head start on your resolution and your journey to better health.    Information from StatePoint Media

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