It’s the new year, and so many people are focused on making changes that change is definitely in the air – you can practically smell it! Or maybe that’s another winter front coming through to dump snow on us. Who knows?

If you’ve vowed to lose weight this year, you’re not alone. By some estimates, several million people want to lose weight in any given year. Yet the statistics on how many people actually lose weight and keep it off are pretty depressing.

We can all list dozens of reasons why people aren’t successful at weight loss. But how about listing a few things to keep in mind that we’ve learned from people who are successful?

People who successfully lose weight…

Understand that weight loss is one day at a time. They don’t go for quick fix, crash diets that hurt their bodies. Instead, they make haste slowly and choose health one day at a time.
Simplify their diets. You don’t need fancy shakes, drinks or prepared foods. It’s real food, whole food, natural food that satisfies our bodies and provides all the nutrients we need to stay healthy. And not surprisingly, nature packs these goodies into low calorie packages.
Drink water. Preferably filtered water, but any water will do. Water is the best beverage for health. Green smoothies and juices are also helpful.

Cleanse. Your body can’t metabolize foods if it can’t shed excess waste. Cleanse, detoxify, and shed those extra pounds.
Move! Move your body…exercise doesn’t necessarily mean puffing away in a gym, although if that’s what you love then do it. Go for a walk, ride your bike, take a yoga class, bounce on a rebounder. Whatever you choose, movement is essential for keeping our bodies fit and healthy.

Make 2010 a great year. Focus on health and wellness rather than simply on weight loss. You can starve yourself on a cabbage soup diet and lose weight, but what will that do to your body? Love your body and nurture it with healthy daily choices.