Have You Made A New Year’s Resolution Yet?

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Since losing weight is one of the top resolutions for most Americans, you can expect fitness gyms to be packed all month long. Sadly, (unless you are a gym junkie) exercise is only a small part of the equation.

80% of the weight-loss battle has to do with the food we eat and how our bodies use that food for energy. Exercise is just the icing on the cake!

Luckily, there are many online tools and smart phone applications that make it easier to track the foods we eat.

A popular site is LiveStrong.com. Its free MyPlate feature is an easy-to-use, customized food diary and daily calorie counter. The calorie counter allows you to set your weight loss goals, track your daily caloric intake and log your fitness activities. The online food library provides verified nutrition facts for store-bought items to fast food meals. You’ll even track the amount of water you consume each day.

Speaking of water consumption, a former Navy Seal and personal trainer once said he doesn’t start his day without drinking 32 oz. of water. Whoa!

Kick start your fitness routine by signing up for short distance races in your area. Participating in these events will give you something to train for. You might even meet new neighbors and friends on race day.

In fact, The 2012 My Fit Foods Woodlands Marathon is Saturday, March 3. Depending on your level of fitness, there’s a 2K Fun Run Walk, a 5K run, half marathon or marathon option. Online registration closes February 20 so there is still plenty of time to train.

Take a look at MapMyRun (founded in Austin, Texas) and LogYourRun. These free, online running programs allow you to create maps, set goals and track your progress.

If, like many of us, fitness and weight-loss is a resolution of yours for 2012, what changes will you make to reach your goal?