Every year, health-conscious Americans make New Year’s resolutions to eat better, lose weight and become healthier. And, every year, these resolutions are abandoned a few weeks later, experts said.”A very small percent of people actually keep their resolutions,” said Deb Atkinson, temporary instructor of health and human performance.Atkinson credits the low rate of success to unreasonable goals.”They aren’t specific goals,” she said. “They are outrageous and wishful thinking.”Instead of setting long-term goals, such as losing 50 pounds, smaller, more specific goals should be set each week, Atkinson said.Making a vague resolution, such as to exercise more, can be easily broken, Atkinson said. A better resolution would be to set a goal to schedule three times a week to exercise, she said.Josh Dewey, exercise specialist at the ISU Student Wellness Center, said a reasonable weight loss for most people is one to two pounds per week. “Any more is water loss and will be easier to gain back,” he said.Unreasonable resolutions are also set for eating habits, said Ruth Litchfield, practicum coordinator and instructor of food science and human nutrition.Swearing to not eat a favorite food is “too lofty and too restrictive,” she said.”Too restrictive of goals usually are a set-up for failure,” she said. “To say ‘I’m never going to have another ice-cream cone’ is ludicrous.”When new eating habits or exercise goals aren’t met, Litchfield said people should not ditch the resolution completely.”There is not failure; there are set backs,” she said. “Look at it as a learning experience — ask yourself how you can do better the next day.”Atkinson said resolutions are better kept with the help of others. Seeing a dietitian, working with a personal trainer and exercising with a partner are all ways to fulfill New Year’s resolutions, she said.The ISU Student Wellness Center offers free nutrition and exercise assessments and counseling to students seeking support in keeping their New Year’s resolutions. Call 294-1868 for more information.