You should have specific objectives so that you can feel a sense of accomplishment on a daily basis. For example, your ultimate goal may be weight loss; however, keep in mind that it's the baby steps that will ultimately help you meet your goal. One of your objectives may be to limit your carbohydrates to a fist-sized portion at each meal.

You should have at least four to five objectives so that you are able to meet at least some of them each day. Keep a diary of your objectives and check them off as you meet them. You'll feel rewarded for your hard work.

Remember: Aim for progress, not perfection!

Focus on what you will eat, not on what you won't. Think positively about the foods that you can eat more of to be healthy. Instead of thinking "I won't eat cake," say, "I will eat a piece of fruit every day for a snack." Be specific with your objectives so you know exactly whether or not you achieved them.

Here are several examples of objectives to help you to motivate yourself to keep your New Year's resolutions. (Use these examples as a guide. Customize them to meet your personal health goals.)

Sample Objectives:

• I will eat fruit when I crave something sweet five days of the week.
• When I start craving food at night after eating dinner, I'll take a relaxing bath instead.
• Instead of ordering french fries, I will have a baked potato with a dash of salt and pepper.
• I will eat at least one serving of a leafy vegetable every day.
• I will get more calcium daily by either drinking skim milk or having a non-fat yogurt for a snack.
• Instead of eating regular potato chips, I will substitute one serving of soy chips, baked chips, pretzels or air-popped popcorn.
• I will eat only a fist-sized portion of pasta (or rice) at dinner. I will fill my stomach by adding more veggies to my pasta sauce.
• I will say "no thank you" to the bread that is served at restaurants before dinner.
• I will eat red meat only once a week.
• I will use cooking spray in my pan, rather than oil or butter, when I prepare meals.
• I will eat three-quarters of my usual dinner portions.
• I will use non-fat cheese, rather than full fat, every other time I eat cheese.
• I will eat fish once a week, instead of chicken or beef.