8 New Year's resolutions you'll stick with

In theory, New Year's resolutions are a fabulous idea. After all, what better way to start the New Year than with a fresh outlook on life? In practice, this annual ritual has become a bit of a joke, to the point that people make bets about how long their friends' and loved ones' resolutions are going to last. For some, it's gotten so futile that they've stopped making resolutions altogether.

The problem, says David L. Katz, MD, MPH, director of the Yale Griffin Prevention Research Center in Derby, Connecticut, and author of The Way to Eat, is that many resolutions are unrealistic and poorly executed. "Most resolutions involve inspiration but no preparation," he says. "For long-term success, a detailed and sustainable action plan is key."

With help from our experts, we've put together a list of resolutions for you to try. Many are a spin on the usual resolutions, but with tips for making them stick.

Excerpted from List Maker's Get-Healthy Guide

1. Take A Baby Step Approach to Health

Instead of seeing it as all-or-nothing, Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, a family physician in Lexington, Kentucky, and founder and medical director of The Mommy MD Guides, suggests viewing health as a continuum. "Every decision that I make moves me closer to one end of the continuum (good health) or the other (poor health)," she says. "For instance, drinking a soda would move me in the wrong direction, while drinking a glass of water would move me in the right direction. By making small, positive decisions, I move closer and closer to good health."

Keep track of your healthy choices with Prevention's Health Tracker tool

2. Move a Little More Everyday

For most people, exercise is an add-on, something that they do if they can find time. It's much easier to accommodate if you find ways to incorporate activity into your daily routine. "Climbing the stairs to the third floor takes just a minute longer than waiting for the elevator. Likewise, jogging to the mailbox at the end of my driveway takes a minute or two, but it's so much better for me than simply leaning out my car window as I drive by," McAllister says. "When we find reasons to stay active throughout the day, we can afford to miss an exercise session every now and then."

Try these 7 ways to burn calories during your workday

3. Say Goodbye to Fad Diets

Losing weight is a favorite resolution ... which may help explain why so many diets fail. It's fine to have weight loss as a goal, but instead of following the latest diet craze, focus your efforts on eating healthfully, says Nadia Rodman, RD, registered dietitian for Curves Health Clubs and Fitness Centers for Women.

See the 16 small changes that take off big pounds

4. Head Back to the Kitchen

"Have you noticed that kitchens are getting fancier and fancier, yet fewer and fewer people are actually using them?" Rodman says. The beauty of resolving to do more of your own cooking is that you gain more control over the nutritional quality of your meals. "Prepare your own food from fresh ingredients," Rodman suggests. "You will save calories and money, and you will be healthier for it."

Start with these 16 healthy dinners ready in 30 minutes or less

5. Unplug Daily

Thanks to modern electronics, we're switched on and tuned in 24/7 - it's ratcheting up our stress level as a result. "Spend an hour, 10 hours, or a full day without your cell phone, Blackberry, computer, or games," urges Ashley Koff, RD, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles. "What will happen if someone can't reach you or you can't reach someone else at a moment's notice? Where will your imagination take you?"

See 6 technology-free ways to boost brainpower

6. Conquer Clutter

Another way to reduce your stress level is to work on clearing out the clutter in your home. "Living in the midst of clutter saps your energy," says Thom Lobe, MD. "Clean up your mess, and it will open up your life for more positive energy."

Get affordable tips for de-stressing your home

7. Get Your Financial House in Order

There is no time like the present to lay out a plan for saving more and spending less. To get started, Jim Roberts, PhD, professor of marketing at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, recommends establishing an emergency fund of $2,500 and reducing your credit card use for an entire year.

Trim your grocery bill with the Grocery Deal Finder

8. Embrace Generosity

Few things are as easy or provide as much instant gratification as donating time or money to people in need. "Give away 1% more of your income than you did last year; volunteer at a food bank in the middle of summer; go out of your way for someone who seemingly has nothing to offer you," says Kathy LeMay, founder, president, and CEO of Raising Change, a fundraising organization. "When you unleash your generosity potential, your life will be the better for it. Slowly, we'll begin to create the world that we know is possible."

See 14 more instant mood-boosters

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