In 2012, 38 percent of Americans resolved to lose weight beginning on Jan. 1.

According to statisticbrain.com, it was the No. 1 New Year's resolution that year. Of those who made the resolution, only 8 percent succeeded.

I, however, fall into an additional statistic. Until one week ago, I was one of an estimated 38 percent of Americans who had absolutely never made a New Year's resolution. The reason? If I resolved to make a positive change in my life, it wouldn't be because a new year was rolling around. Instead, I may have made a resolution on, let's say, April 12. But, still, I didn't.

Until now, that is. Thanks to my granddaughter Tilleigh, 7, I made a 2014 New Year's resolution on Jan. 1 that I am dedicated to attain. Yep, it's the most popular resolution -- lose weight.

I am only slightly overweight for my bone structure and height. And, because I've never had a weight problem (I used to eat buttered bread to gain weight), I don't give much thought to calories. But that's changing because of my insightful granddaughter's words of wisdom.

She told me my stomach was "poochy."

Ugh.

It was about a week before Christmas and I was changing from my pajamas to leggings when the big-mouth kid -- I mean the precious little girl -- asked me if I was wearing pull-ups, something young children wear to bed at night or wear when they're potty training. After I let out a disgusting sigh saying, "No, why would you ask me that?" She reached over and pinched below my navel area and said my stomach was sticking out a little.

As I furrowed my brow, narrowed my eyes and gritted my teeth, I swallowed my pride and said, "Yeah. Mom's (that's what my three grandchildren call me) been eating too many Christmas treats lately." I knew my typical excuse of having two C-sections (30 something years ago) was lame and something she wouldn't understand, so I accepted the criticism with an open mind.

Double ugh.

So here I am, eating what's good for me and exercising. Goodbye, poochy stomach. And, when I finally reach my goal of not looking like I wear pull-ups, I'll thank my granddaughter for getting me back on track to a healthy lifestyle.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 757-6396.