Why wait for New Years Resolutions to start losing weight? It is always best to start where you are at this moment and consciously begin a personal diet and exercise plan. Find what works best for you and explore your options. Pick a diet high in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Replace sugar and fat with a variety of fruit and honey. Instead of drinking soda, drink ice water with lemon or lime. Drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Drinking water is a very important part of an effective personal diet and exercise plan. Eat small meals throughout the day to jump start your metabolism.

Your personal diet and exercise plan should consist of regular workouts. Instead of one workout, do two workouts. Take 20 - 30 minutes out of your day, and exercise twice daily. There has been recent research stating that short intense bursts of cardio can do wonders to jump start your weight loss. Mix up your exercise routines. Try new things like kick boxing, pilates, and yoga.

Long brisk walks outside will do wonders for your mood. Fresh air can give you a new perspective about your life. Take time to stretch and breathe deeply. Regular routines are important. Start a journal with your diet and fitness plans and goals. Make a habit of noting your thoughts, feelings, and successes on a daily basis. This will allow you to track your progress as well as keep you motivated. Many successful, long term personal diet and exercise plans include journals. It certainly doesn't have to be fancy either, my journal is a colorful notebook that I bought from the Dollar Store.

Just as important to your personal diet and exercise plan as regular fitness and keeping a journal is proper snacking. Simply keep it healthy. Treat yourself to portable snacks. Cut up fruit and vegetables into individual servings, carry nuts, low-fat cheese, and single-serve yogurts.

Effective personal diet and exercise plans start daily with a good wholesome breakfast. Begin your day with a healthy breakfast, and you will be giving yourself every possible advantage to succeed. Studies show that people who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat during the day. People who skip breakfast often find themselves making not so nutritious choices later in the day due to hunger.

Beginning a personal diet and exercise plan takes commitment, planning and resolve. Make time for yourself, and follow your plan. Strive for a regular routine. Don't try to do everything perfectly, give yourself some wiggle room. But it is important to begin to make your new healthy lifestyle a habit. Becoming a more healthly and happy person is the goal.