Bob Harper is as excited about the new year as anyone, especially because he takes over hosting "The Biggest Loser" when it returns to NBC Jan. 4. But that doesn't mean he approves of New Year's resolutions — particularly health-related ones that lack structure, focus and realism.
"It never lasts," he said while visiting TODAY the morning of New Year's Eve. "It sets people up for failure. [People say], 'It's January 1st! I'm going to change everything. I'm going to the gym every single day.' The gyms are going to be packed, and then after a couple of weeks, all those people will go back to their old ways. I want you to focus on 30 days."
With that in mind, here are three simple, achievable resolutions he suggests to people aiming for a healthier 2016 (er, January):
1. Skip sugary drinks
That includes energy drinks, high-calorie coffee drinks, smoothies and even fruit juice. Making this change alone for 30 days could help you lose weight.
RELATED: Drink coffee as soon as you wake up? Time it this way for a better boost
2. Find a group exercise class
Think CrossFit, SoulCycle or any other group-oriented training regimen, and commit to it three times a week for all of January. It could foster not only a healthy routine, but also some new friendships. Joked Harper, "Misery loves company, right?"
RELATED: At-risk teens find 'a lot of pride' in SoulCycle's new health and fitness program
3. Add vegetables to at least one meal
Eating veggies to boost health is hardly a revolutionary idea. But incorporating them into a specific, numeric goal makes you more likely to follow through. Do this at least six days a week for the first month of 2016. "When it comes to changing your body, it's all about diet," Harper said. "No one's ever going to get fat eating broccoli."
RELATED: Eat your veggies, America: A government report shows a gap in many people's diets
If you like the results, you might just continue them well into 2016 — and beyond. Either way, Harper insisted, "You're going to feel so much better."
The new season of "The Biggest Loser" premieres at 9 p.m. Monday.
Follow TODAY.com writer Chris Serico on Twitter.