OK, are your 2011 resolutions to lose weight and get in shape still on your agenda? Like many of us, they may have gone by the wayside somewhere in January. If that is the case, don't despair, you should still try to reach your goals. I have listed some simple suggestions to help keep those ideals active in order to look your best for any upcoming events or reunions by following some easy common sense tips.

Most of us have to work hard to keep unwanted pounds off.  Instead of trying some crash diets, weight loss drugs or measures you would not routinely remember or follow, try implementing some of my 10 tips into your regular schedule.  Please know that I am neither a dietician nor a nutritionist; I am just offering some non-medical tips and ideas.  Of course, any strenuous exercise should be checked with your physician.   

1. Pick a goal.  What is your ideal weight and/or shape in order to feel comfortable?  Suggestions include: (a) Buy a new outfit in the size you want to be in.  (b)  Plan a special party 6 months from now where you intend to show off how you've reached your target. (c) Combine your efforts with a friend, you'll have more incentive. (d) Write down your current age and weight and what you would like to be in by a specific date.  Put this paper in a visible location that you look at everyday to remind yourself what you need to do and the time you have to do it in.
2. Drink lots of water-especially before meals, you will feel fuller.
3. Don't eat past 7 pm at night, and on an occasional basis, not past 5 pm. Consider having your main meal at lunchtime and a light dish in the evening.
4. Walking is a cheap and easy exercise.  Try some of these ideas to force yourself to walk more. (a) Park far away from the crowds.  When you are running errands at the bank, grocery shopping, the mall, post office, etc., park as far away as possible, not the closest.  Another benefit is that your car will have less dings. (b) Walk up and down the steps when on escalators.  Don't just stand on the step, walk!  It drives me crazy when I get behind someone who gets on an escalator and stands there, waiting for the machine to move them.  What happened to climbing stairs?  It is so good for your cardiovascular system and you get where you want to go faster.  (c) While in parking structures or buildings, don't take the elevator, take the stairs, the more steps the better.  You'll feel so much better and it's easy exercise.
5. Don't let yourself sit at the computer for long periods of time.  Take a break and walk outside around your office building, to a local coffee shop or just enjoy the neighborhood.  Your eyes and back will benefit too.
6. If it's late at night, and you're hungry, eat vegetables or fruit. It'll help satisfy the hunger pangs.  Or, if you feel you have to have a snack-go for half of it!
7. Eat slowly, especially, if you're alone.  If alone, pretend you are dining with someone and carrying on a conversation.  You won't tend to eat as much because you'll feel satisfied sooner.
8. When cooking at home, make smaller portions, substitute ingredients that contain less fat and sugar.  Be sure to bake instead of fry as it will save on calories, taste lighter and your heart will love you back.
9. Take control when grocery shopping.  When at the market, don't buy those tempting sweets or extra meals.  Bring a grocery list and stick to it.  Don't let yourself be swayed by tempting packaging.  Read the caloric and additive contents of the items you put in your cart.  Ask yourself, "Do I really need to consume foods with added fat and sugars?"
10. When dining out, order smaller, less caloric dishes, avoid sauces, eat half and take the rest home, avoid buttering bread, skip dessert.  

BONUS TIP:         Take a current picture of yourself and post it on the refrigerator.  This will keep you focused on the BEST decision when thinking about food.  Once you get a regimen going, it'll become a matter of habit.  Good Luck.

© Linda Johnson Hoffman, The Reunion Planner® www.reunionplanner.com.  Follow Linda on Twitter, The Reunion Guru: http://twitter.com/TheReunionGuru