Weight loss tips for 2013!

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - It's okay to admit it  your New Year's Resolution is to lose weight!  Well since it's the last day of 2012, we'll give you a head start with easy tips for cutting calories, eating better, and losing weight!

Dr. Laura Hutchinson shared some weight loss advice.

Get moving!
Going from 24 hours on the couch to 2 hours at the gym every day will lead to burnout and injury. Physical activity doesn't have to mean exercise. Start with something maneagable like a walk around the block after dinner each night.

Plan ahead.
If you have healthy food on hand, like nuts, fruit, yogurt, and veggies, you are less likely to find yourself at the convenience store with a snickers bar in hand.

Eat a fruit or vegetable at every meal.
These will help fill you up before yu overindulge. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with fruit and veggies and the other half with a combination of prootein and starch. You can also use a smaller plate (salad plate) to reduce over all portion size.

Eat regularly.
If you try to "save up" for the big party and starve yourself all day, you will end up eating like it is the last meal of your life. If you know you are going to be eating again in a few hours, you are less likely to overdo.

Be wary of sugar.
look for sugar on the ingredients list. And avoid it as much as possible. The average American eats over 100lbs of added sugar per year. Try sweetening your meals with fruit instead, and saving the "empty calories for special treats. I also put alcohol in the sugar category....same deal-lots of empty calories!