Nearly 80% of those who have New Years resolutions are to become more healthy, diet, exercise, lose weight, whatever. Within 2 months, they "quit" because they are not seeing results. I'm not a personal trainer, but I have a vast knowledge in the fitness and nutrition area. Here are some tips:

• Change your diet gradually. You are not actually on a "diet"....you are simply changing the way you eat...the way everyone should eat....healthy - but eating healthy can be boring if you aren't eating a variety of foods that are appetizing and snacks that taste good. I highly recommend "Eating for Life" by Bill Phillips. There are great recipes for breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners that are great...and don't cost much.
• NEVER skip breakfast!! It's the most important meal of the day. Plan to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day (this includes breakfast and lunch) and dinner as you normally do (but a healthy dish of course!) 2 or 3 of those meals should be healthy snacks. This balances your metabolism and you will burn fat faster.
• You really should exercise and add some muscle to your body...or at least tone up! Strength train 3 days a week and do 20 minutes of cardio 3 days a week (alternate days). Abs can be worked every day....the rest of your muscle groups, let them rest for a day. If you are trying to build some muscle, EAT BEFORE BED!! A healthy snack with protein in it. If you go to bed hungry, your body feeds off of your muscles.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and take in lots of protien. You can eat protein bars, buy protein shakes, or foods rich in protein (but not fat!) You should have 50-90 grams of protein a day.
• When you exercise you have to breath correctly....exhale as your muscles contract, inhale when they relax - stretch before and after your workouts - both very important.
• Losing weight? Do more reps with less weights. Toning up or building? More weights with less reps. REMEMBER - if you are trying to build up muscle, you will gain weight as you are losing fat....this is because muscle wieghs more than fat.
• You don't need a gym membership to get into shape. You can buy dumbell wieghts and all sorts of equipment that is not expensive at a Sporting Goods store, or even WalMart, Target, etc. - and for cardio, buy DVD programs, or just go for a run or a bike ride. You can find a great exercise routine that is right for you on menshealth.com or womenshealth.com
• DONT GIVE UP!! This may sound strange, but whatever your goal is, go out and buy something, like a pair of jeans...that you are working toward fitting into. Keep it in your closet so you can see it every day. Monitor and write down your results monthly. (measurements and your weight).
• You CAN do it. Make it a part of your everyday routine....you are without excuse. Treat it as if it's something you have to do, like going to work. And eat as if you want to live a long life. (you do, don't you?)
• Great magazines to read are Men's Health or Women's Heath. They keep you going!

One last thing, and maybe the best. Choose one day a week, like Saturday, to be your 'free' day. Eat WHATEVER you want, as much as you want. If you are eating the way you are supposed to and exercising the way you should, it won't hurt....at all. Your metabolism will take care of you....and your muscle burns fat. It's a proven fact!! Remember, you can do it, you just have to put your mind to it!!  :)