WITH MANY MAKING HEALTH AND FITNESS RESOLUTIONS THIS NEW YEAR, IT'S NOW TIME TO FOLLOW THROUGH. RACHEL ANASTASI REVEALS HOW WE CAN BE MOTIVATED FOR RESULTS.

Whether health is something you put high on your values list or not, it's impossible to deny that health is a very important factor in our lives. Without good health nothing works at its fullest potential. Your health can be affected by the value you place on yourself and your self-image.

How much you weigh and the way you approach your health can be a direct reflection of your emotional state or your relationship with yourself and your life. Creating good health and maintaining a healthy weight for your height is about much more than just a fad diet. In 2009 create a new lifestyle for yourself, one which incorporates healthy food choices and an amount of exercise that is right for you.

Most of us know how to do this, so it can be interesting to understand why we don't do it! The reason you put on excess weight in the first place can be very indicative of the strategies that you are unconsciously using to hold onto the weight or resist losing it. This is where it is very helpful to sit down with a cup of herbal tea and really backtrack through your own personal timeline. Write down trends that you have seen throughout your life when it comes to the relationship between your emotional state and your weight. What were your beliefs about yourself at that time? How did you relate to life at that time? What were you scared of or resiting at that time?

Self-image is a lot about acceptance, appreciation and choice. When you look in the mirror you don't see a true reflection of yourself. You see your reflection through your own filters, which can be influenced by your beliefs, your past experiences and your environment. Next time you look in the mirror, focus on removing the filters and seeing ‘into' yourself. Who are you really?

Choosing to be you is very important. When did you last choose your thighs, choose your stomach and choose your nose? Whatever you resist persists and it is impossible to create change around something that you are resisting because you are focused on how you don't want it to be rather than how you want it to be. As your body is the way that it is right now, there is no point resisting it being that way. Choose the reality of it. Choose your body being this way right now! From that place of acceptance and self-love you will move toward your health and fitness goals easily and effortlessly. That way you can start to love yourself right now, rather than only loving yourself when you look a certain way.

Now let's get down to the doing! Accountability can be very effective when it comes to exercise. Hire a personal trainer or get together with a friend with similar health and fitness goals and hold each other accountable to your health and fitness commitments. There are so many fun ways to exercise. Why not join a belly dancing or pole dancing class or try some kayaking or play tennis with a friend. A swim in the ocean or a walk along the beach can be amazing for mind, body and spirit and Australia has so many National parks and reserves that are beautiful to walk around. When it comes to your diet it is important to create an eating plan that is sustainable and works for you. Try having six small meals a day rather than three large meals to keep your metabolism going. Incorporate lots of fruit and vegies and lean meat. A handful of nuts or yoghurt makes a great snack. Choose low-fat dairy products as alternatives to full fat.

Improving your health can be about losing weight for some and/or fitness for others. It is important to identify your goals and move toward them. By valuing health and making some lifestyle changes that are sustainable, you can maintain your ideal weight. Your language creates your reality. Use language that focuses on what you do want rather than on what you do not want. Accept compliments and learn to compliment yourself. Make your new year's resolution to fall in love with yourself and you will love exercising and spoiling yourself with good food. Have fun!

Rachel Anastasi is an empowerment coach, speaker, mentor and founder of Freetobeme Life Coaching. For more information visit www.freetobemecoaching.com.au