*Don’t Skip. You know it’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eat a healthy, nutritious, filling breakfast to keep you from making up for it on your next meal.

*Avoid Sweets. Slowly phase out candies and other sweets from your diet. Not only do they tend to be high in calories, they’re also bad for the teeth.

*Go fresh. Visit the produce section of the grocery and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables that are sure sources of vitamins and minerals.

*Impose a kitchen curfew. Tame your stomach by resisting any late-night grumbling. Eating close to bedtime will not give your system time to fully digest all the food.

*Resist temptation. If you don’t have a chocolate bar or a bag of chips just a few paces away, then you will be less prone to snacking on them. Stock up on healthy food that is low in fat and calories.

*Cut down. Lessen the portions that you consume gradually: if you used to have a cup of rice, get used to two-thirds, then half.

*Call in the alternate. These days, low-fat and non-fat alternatives abound. Use low-fat mayo, milk, yogurt and cheese instead.

*Go natural. Process food with all their preservatives and additives are bad. Buy fresh meat and fish from the market instead.

*Fiber-fill your diet. Choose whole-wheat breads, brown rice and other fiber-infused food to fill you up faster and make your snacking healthier.

*Juice up! Instead of drinking alcohol or carbonated drinks or powdered juices that are high in both sugar and calories, go for fresh fruit juices to sweep out toxins.

How was February so far? Me? Lovin’ it! Mom is here too so, I have enough time in my hands;)

-Be steadfast in your decision to lose weight. It maybe a health issue, a personal reason or you don’t like the way you look in the mirror, but recognize it is your decision. And like with any decision take responsibility for all it brings (which will be good things – trust me.)

-Let your friends and family know you are making this weight decision and ask them for assistance. Now you may be wondering what you are asking for? You will need their support, kindness and above all refrain to bring in plates of cookies or going to unhealthy restaurants. If they know you are making a change, they will happily accommodate, all you need to do is ask.

-Start moving more to get the body going. It maybe a flight of stairs, or a walk before work, but all of those actions add up. If you feel an exercise routine is necessary, then start small and work your way up.

-Be realistic on how you are going to lose weight and change your life is making. Look for resources that will help you make it happen. If you want to lose a lot of weight then read up on how your body works and what you can do to make it happen. Contact a dietitian to help you or involve your physician.

Have a great year of dieting!