Welcome to part two of our two-part blog on diet tips that will help you stay on track this New Year!

1. Be goal-oriented. Having a goal written out will hold you accountable to what you are trying to achieve. If you have a vague goal, you are less likely to stick to it. If it helps, make smaller goals that will eventually help you to achieve the one main goal.
2. Be uncomfortable. Expect some discomfort; you’re leaving your comfort zone of all old habits and the change is likely to be uncomfortable. Making peace with that will make it easier when you experience the discomfort.
3. Schedule a cheat day then turn it around. Have your cheat day set for some time in the future; whether it is the last Friday of the month or every Friday. Having the day set aside will help you to avoid temptations by knowing that you can soon eat something delicious! It takes a significant amount of calories eaten to gain a pound of body fat so it’s about what you do the day after your cheat day, and the day after that. So be sure to whittle away at those extra calories over the next day or two, preferably by boosting exercise rather than eating too little; starvation is not the healthy answer!
4. Take notes. Keeping a journal of when you’re working out and what exercises your doing can help you stay on track. Laying out your workout plan week by week not only keeps your routine the same but it prepares your mind for what your body has next.
5. Use your arms. When you are working out make sure that you are getting your arms moving instead of just your legs. It will not only help tone up your arms but it will increase your calorie burning as well.
6. Never shop hungry. Going to the grocery store when you’re hungry not only adds dollars to your bill but will also add pounds to your waistline. Limit your grocery shopping to after you’ve eaten and bring a list with you to ensure you are only getting what you need.
7. Fill up on fibre and protein. In addition to filling up on vegetables, add some fibre and protein to your diet to ensure that you are staying full throughout the day.
8. Skip the salt. Salt is your enemy when you’re on a diet; skip adding extra to meals and you will begin losing weight in no time.
9. Use the apple test. If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you aren’t hungry.
10. Have a carb free afternoon. Not having carbs after lunch tends to be the hardest rule to follow; however, if you can make it so your afternoons are carb-free, you’ll notice the weight coming off in no time.
11. Walk it off. Take a quick 15-minute walk after lunch to burn a fast 100 calories. Don’t want to go alone? See if someone from the office wants to come with you!
12. Find a fitness friend. Having a work out buddy is huge for staying motivated; if you are being held accountable for working out, you are less likely to put it off, especially if you have someone who knows what your goals are.

Stock up on nuts. Nuts provide fibre and protein and are an easy snack that will help to keep you full between meals. Pack them in your lunch in 100 calorie bags to ensure you don’t indulge.