“I RESOLVE to work out more this year. To exercise regularly. To hit the gym at least three times a day. To cut down on soda. To eat more vegetables. To get my butt off the couch more. To be healthy. These I resolve to do in the new year.” Sounds familiar?

Better health habits always makes it into anyone’s list of resolutions for the new year. Bravo, yes! Everyone should strive to be more health-conscious. So we sign up for the gym, stock our pantry with healthy goods. It starts out well the first few weeks. Or days. And then it becomes harder. And then you feel yourself giving up, thinking of it as another resolution gone bad.

You can do it. Don’t despair! No pain, no gain, right? Here are three simple things you can carry on that happy, healthy attitude throughout the year:

1. Get a health buddy. Watching your health is more fun when you’ve got someone to share the experience with. Go to the gym together, watch out for each other when ordering at restaurants.
2. Start small. While thirty pounds in three months is achievable, do know how to go about it step-by-step. Get a trainer and get recommendations on how to ease into your ideal weight. Baby steps always help. Keep the grand plan in mind, but realize that you’ll get there with small steps too.
3. Think positive! You CAN do it. Your health is what you make it to be, always remember that.

Have a healthy, happy year!