Health Watch: Sticking To New Year's Resolutions

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We make New Year's resolutions every year, but most don't stick. Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl is On Your Side with more.

If you're like most people, the majority of New Year's resolutions become delusions by the end of February. Experts say between 10 to 30 percent of resolutions ever achieve success, but year after year we stick with the tradition of making at least one.

"Try to lose a couple pounds definitely, that you put on during the holidays," said Anthony Torcivia, of Philadelphia.

Losing weight is the most popular resolution by far. Gym and diet plan memberships typically skyrocket in January and quickly diminish.

"Any time is a good time to start," said Edd Conboy, a senior staff therapist at Council for Relationships. He says most weight loss resolutions don't work because they're too broad and unrealistic.

"The first thing they shouldn't do is say I'm going to lose weight. They really should begin to talk about what are they going to do," said Conboy.

Small, specific diet resolutions work best like no snacks over 100 calories and eliminate sugary soda. Try weighing yourself weekly, and drink more water. And get moving with regular exercise, or at least walk more.

"Setting goals is one of the ways we can get things to stick," said Conboy.

It's all about long term planning and holding yourself accountable.

"I need to stop smoking," said Shirley Hannah, in Cherry Hill.

Kicking the habit is also a popular resolution, but especially difficult.

Experts say resolutions are easier to keep if you focus on their benefits and stay away from temptations, like smoky environments.

"We have to be able to see the changes that we're looking for, and that's a key piece," said Conboy.

Some other things that experts say could help keep your resolutions include writing them down, tell a loved one, and create a strategy for setbacks. If you slip up don't give up.

Related Links
Healthy Weight Loss Information- http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/getting_started.html
Quit Smoking Information- http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SmokingCessation/