Are you determined to make 2010 the year that you successfully lose the weight you have been trying to lose unsuccessfully for the past few years? Are you ready to make the commitment to changing your life and making 2010 your best year yet?

Below are my top 10 ways to make 2010 the year you successfully lose that weight and change your life for good!

Tip #1: Set yourself goals and write them down!

Writing your goals down and review them daily. Doing this will remind you and keep you focused on what you want to achieve. Setting yourself both short term and long term goals gives you direction and purpose. The short term goals are steps along the road to get you to your final destination.

Tip #2: Take responsibility for your current lifestyle

Stop making excuses and quit looking for miracles and quick fixes. Fitness and good nutrition need to become your lifestyle. This is not something you can do for 3 months and then go back to your old ways. To successfully lose weight and keep it off, you need to commit to making healthy changes for good!

Tip #3: Keep a food journal

Keeping a food and workout journal will help you keep track of your diet. Make sure you are honest with yourself when writing things down. Include everything you eat and drink and also include the time you ate, and how much you ate. When you look back at your journal you will become aware of which foods you could cut back on, or include more of and include this in your plan for the following week.

Tip #4. Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day

Skipping meals is not the way to lose weight. All this will do is leave you frustrated with your efforts, irritable and fatigued because your body does not have enough fuel to function optimally. Instead, consume small meals every 3-4 hours throughout the day. This way you are constantly fueling your body and preventing yourself from ever becoming too hungry which leads us to the next point…

Tip #5. Prevent yourself from becoming too hungry!

It is when we get too hungry that we tend to grab anything in sight and care less about our choices. Plan in advance, or carry healthy snacks with you, so you avoid making poor choices on the spur of the moment.

Tip #6. Ditch the ‘fad diets’ for good

If you are like most people you have probably tried at least one of the fad diets out there. These diets don’t work for successful, long term weight loss. Focus instead on a healthy, well balanced diet consisting of whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, low fat dairy, and healthy fats.

Tip #7. Add more ‘real foods’ to your diet

Try to consume foods in their most natural state. Limit the amount of fast foods and processed foods you consume. Instead opt for foods with few ingredients. One great way to do this is to shop only on the outside perimeter of the grocery store. All the processed foods tend to be in the aisles.

Tip #8. Drink more water

When trying to successfully lose weight it is important that you drink plenty of water. It essential to keep your body hydrated during the weight loss process. Things like sodas and energy drinks don’t count in my plan, so you should keep them out, or at least limit them, in your plan too.

Tip #9. Believe in yourself

Making the commitment to changing your life and losing weight is awesome, but believing you can actually do it is even better! It is absolutely crucial that you believe you can achieve your weight loss goals. It will not be a smooth and easy path, but you have to stay committed and don’t give up. Believing in yourself is a powerful tool.

Tip #10. Make physical activity a regular event!

Whether it is just becoming more active throughout the day, or becoming involved in a workout routine. Having a regular fitness routine is crucial to successful weight loss. Not only is engaging in regular physical activity good for your body, it is also good for your mind!

If you are ready to make the commitment in 2010 to change your life and finally lose that weight, then I am here to support you along the way. You can contact me any time at wilsonk92@mac.com or send me a message here on FitOrbit.

Together let’s make 2010 your best year yet!!

• Kristy Lee Wilson