By Quinn, blog author of My Mantra: Everything in Moderation.

Each year over 44 percent of Americans make their New Year’s resolutions; the most popular being to lose weight.  And by February, most of these same goal setters have fallen off the wagon.  As we prepare to enter 2010, here are five guidelines for achieving your resolutions the right way.

1.    Set goals, not deadlines

My mother-in-law always says to set goals, not deadlines.  This New Year’s, don’t aim to lose 10 pounds by March 1st.  You’ll be much more likely to stick to your goals if you vow to lose 10 pounds by committing to eating more nutritiously, getting in 30 minutes of cardio a day, and strength training a 3-4 days a week.

2.    Utilize the tools around you.

We live in a wonderful age of technology.  Websites like CalorieCount.com provide the tools you need to be successful this New Year.   Before the New Year begins, you can set your goals on their website.  If you want to lose ten pounds, it will give you a realistic time frame and calorie guidelines that will help you achieve those goals.

Are you the type who’s always on the go?  iPhone and Blackberry have developed thousands of applications for their mobile users.  CalorieCount.com has come up with some cutting edge apps to put on your mobile device to help you when you’re dining out, at a party or in a pinch.  By having 24/7 access to health and wellness tips, you take the guesswork out of it!

3.    Safety in numbers.

It’s been proven that those who have a supportive network are more likely to lose weight than those who go at it alone.  By engaging a partner, whether friend, significant other or relative, will keep you on track to sticking to your resolutions.  Instead of meeting a friend for a cocktail, meet at the gym and workout next to one another on the elliptical.  Call your friends to give them encouragement and talk about any struggles you might be facing.  It’s easier when you have someone you can relate to.

Don’t have a pal who’s willing to go the distance with you?  Engage in the blog community.  Health bloggers support is unparalleled.  They will give you encouragement when you need it, give you recipe suggestions, and help teach you the right ways to exercise.  You can also catch many like-minded goal setters on Twitter for real-time support. 

Additionally, CalorieCount.com has over 1.7 million members, many of whom are actively involved in the site’s community boards.  There are a plethora of specific discussions and topics you can contribute to.  So remember, there is always support within reach!

4.    Be accountable.

CalorieCount.com stores nutrition information for over 100,000+ types of foods – ranging from produce to menu items from popular chain restaurants.  By utilizing this food log, you can see exactly how many calories you’ve consumed for the day.  You can also track your weight daily and the site generates a graph to show your progress.

In conjunction with CalorieCount.com’s food journaling, take photos of what you eat.   I have a blog, www.dailymoderation.com, where I document everything I eat.  Knowing that others are reading what I’ve put in my mouth and are monitoring my progress helps me stick to my goals and holds me accountable.

5.    Be your own best self.

I plan to resolve to be my own best self in 2010.  That means physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  It’s not all about weight loss.  With each year I believe you should constantly be challenging yourself.  Read more books; take a class; volunteer; connect with loved ones.  It’s about making over your whole self – and when you better all the various facets of your life, small successes will follow.

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy 2010!

Your thoughts....

Got any guidelines to share for being your own best self?

We get by with a little help from our friends - like Quinn - one of our favorite blog authors who champions Calorie Count's philosophy of moderation.  Thank you, Quinn!