At the beginning of each year, most of us take some time to come up with resolutions - commitments that will help us, in some way, live a better life or achieve a specified goal. Oftentimes, these resolutions focus on diet and exercise. And just as often, these resolutions fall by the way side by, oh, right about now. There's a reason, after all, that gyms and fitness facilities see an increase in memberships going into January, yet a drop in attendance by new members shortly thereafter.

So if you made a commitment to eat healthier or exercise more (or at all) this year, you’re not alone. But don’t try to change everything at once. This is how our resolutions fail. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "deciding to live a healthier life is easy; it's the follow-through that's hard."

Also according to HHS, some things you can do to get you on your way include being physically active each day, eating a nutritious diet, getting preventive screenings and avoiding risky behaviors.

Being physically active doesn't have to mean running a marathon. In fact, the American Heart Association has some great tips on how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life - at home, at the office and at play. So, take the dog for a longer-than-usual walk, walk down the hall to speak with your colleague rather than sending an e-mail, get up and dance! All of these activities burn calories. The federal government also provides Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that describe the types and amount of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits to Americans of all ages. Take some time to check out these resources.

But burning calories is simply one half of the equation (the "calories in, calories out" equation that is) that will get you on your way to a balanced lifestyle. You also need to pay attention to the "calories in" component. So, enjoy a variety of foods and beverages in moderation. Make sure you’re getting the nutrients that your body needs from things such as fruits, vegetables and grains as well. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite treats - after all, there's room for discretionary calories in our diet.

Stick to your resolutions - whatever they are. And remember, if one of your goals is to drop a few extra pounds you may have gained from indulging in too much holiday cheer, there’s no miracle cure for weight loss. Weight management still comes down to calorie balance - balancing the calories you take in versus those you burn off, something even the Mayo Clinic supports.