I’ve never believed in diets - I’ve tried diets, enjoyed (fleeting) success on diets, but I’ve never thought they were the way to true and lasting weight loss. I think they’re supposed to be the easy fix to shedding excess pounds that everyone hopes for and aspires to. The fact is, weight loss is never easy. It’s not supposed to be easy to develop a new lifestyle. Everyone has set-backs, incidental chocolate cakes that fall onto their plates from time to time. True and lasting weight loss is attained by taking baby steps every day until you reach your goal. Here’s a few good places to start:

1. Reach for the Fruit and Yogurt. Your snacks should be no more than about 200 calories. I choose my favourite fruits to mix with yogurt that’s lowfat, low sugar, and high on the yum factor. I like Dannon Light and Fit yogurt because it’s 80 calories per serving and comes in awesome flavors. Yoplait is good too. Don’t like yogurt? Well consider this - Eating yogurt every day reduces your likelihood of getting a cold by 25 percent. It has much needed calcium and its protein will keep you fuller longer. So does the fiber in your fruit.

2. Even a little exercise goes a long way. When you first start out, what’s more important than the number of hours or miles you log is that you’re setting up a new routine in your life - one that includes regular exercise. Start slow because that’s how you can build a lasting good habit!

3. Don’t Get Hungry. Don’t let yourself get to that point of no return because if you’re anything like me, you’ll reach for any and everything in sight. Try to have smaller, more frequent meals and snacks to keep hunger at bay and to prevent your hunger from taking control of your diet.

4. Ditch the Extras. If you can live without mayo on your sandwich, or butter on your toast, you should do it. Cutting out even 50 calories a day can help create the calorie deficit you need to start losing weight. Opt instead for jam without butter, or mustard sans mayo, and you may barely notice the change.

5. Recognize your Accomplishments. Soon enough, pants will fit better, and even the most stubborn needle on the scale will begin to turn downward. Find a way to reward yourself that’s not food based, and be sure to take the time to enjoy sweet victory. A peaceful stroll in the park, a new book, a trip to the movies -whatever gives you some pleasure that’s not related to food.

Changing your diet and exercise habits can be daunting, but baby steps truly are the key to measured and sustainable success.