Everybody hates the word 'diet'. It makes you think of pain and misery. It is definitely hard to keep your will power to stay on a diet during the holidays.

But it isn't all terrible. There are many ways to quickly lose unwanted weight without starving yourself and it really is quite easy - as long as you know how to do it. Start the New Year off right with great weight loss results by following these easy tips.

Here are the top nine tips to lose pounds in 2009.

1. Water So many people avoid drinking simple water, yet it's one of nature's best ways to clean out your body at the same time as helping to shed those pounds. Drinking enough water doesn't have to be difficult. Simply drink a glass of water before each meal or snack and you'll suddenly find you're rehydrated, feeling less bloated and you're suddenly less tempted to reach for the sugary snacks.

2. Fiber Fiber gives another opportunity to help you lose weight and make you feel full at the same time. By adding fiber to your diet, you can actually reduce and get rid of awful hunger pangs. Foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans will increase your intake of fiber, making you feel full faster and lose weight faster too!

3. Snacks Staying slim does not require starving yourself. You should definitely snack throughout the day in between meals. Your metabolism will increase by snacking, helping your weight loss. Be careful however of what snacks you choose to eat; remember they should be healthy snacks. It's definitely okay to eat nuts, fruit, and even a snack size tub of yogurt or baked rice crispies. Moreover, just be smart about your snack choices.

4. Walk Take every opportunity to walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away from the store and walk the rest of the way. Stroll around the block with your dog or with a friend. Switch on your stereo and just wiggle to the music.

5. Grill it up Switch from frying foods to grilling them, order grilled when you go out to eat. Grilling is easier than and just as tasty as frying. It's healthier and has fewer calories than fried foods.

6. Side Dishes We've been trained over the years to believe that meals aren't complete without fries on the side. Replace fries with a simple salad or with some steamed vegetables.

7. Processed Foods Pre-packaged deli ham, chicken and turkey are quick and easy to have available in the fridge, but they have high levels of sodium. Sodium makes your body retain fluid and makes it harder for you to lose weight. Don't buy pre-packaged processed foods whenever possible. Opt for fresh options.

8. Keep It Lean You can eat red meat and poultry if you like, just remember to buy lean cuts. Cut off any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken before grilling. That way you keep the fat levels down.

9. Meal Replacement Meal replacement diets are quick and easy, and can keep you slim. All you have to do is eat a pre-prepared meal in place of you breakfast, lunch or dinner. These meals are available through a variety of companies and take the guess work out of diet planning.

Follow these simple tricks and you'll be surprised with the results.