by Priscilla Benfield

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Dieting can be successful when the word "diet" is substituted for lifestyle change. As we age, our bodies slow down. We get caught up in the hecticness of our day to day lives and along the way develop bad habits. There are ways to regain the body and fitness of our youth without crash diets and crazy amounts of exercise. Here's 20 tips for success.

Step #1. Re-evaluate your daily habits. Start by keeping a food and activity diary. It isn't only about what you eat and when but also how active you are.

Step#2. Set a reasonable goal for yourself. To lose weight you need to cut back on the amount of calories in your diet. You also need to increase your metabolism. Eating healthier and adding exercise will make you lose weight.

Step#3. Make it easier to choose to have a piece of fruit instead of a bowl of chips. Go through your kitchen and get rid of the junk food. If it isn't there to tempt you you will be forced to make healthier choices.

Step#4. Brownbag a healthy lunch and include a midday snack. Low-fat yogurt or a piece of fruit or baby carrots is a great pick-me-up for mid afternoon munchies.

Step#5. Drink lots of water. Water helps to flush your system and it also makes you feel fuller so you are less likely to overeat. Drink 8 ounces of water 30 minutes before a meal to help you feel less hungry. Flavor your water by using lemon wedges or even citrus fruits.

Step#6. Don't be afraid to eat out. Many restaurants offer healthy options. Beware of portion sizes. Ask for a to go container and remove half of what is on your plate. This can be lunch for another day.

Step#7. Don't deny yourself a piece of cake or some other forbidden food every once in a while. Have a smaller amount and eat it slowly.

Step#8. Never eat after 7 p.m. Try to make your meals get smaller throughout the day. As the day goes by you get less active and therefore are not going to have the chance to burn calories off.

Step#9. Think of exercise like you do brushing your teeth. You wouldn't think about leaving your house without brushing your teeth. Make exercise a routine also. Start small and gradually work your way into extending the time you work out. You can start with walking. Buy a pedometer to track your progress. Keep setting goals to increase your walking distance.

Step#10. Consider spending some of your lunch break exercising. If all you get is 30 minutes, eat a light lunch and then take a walk.

Step#11. Wear good supportive undergarments that help you maintain good posture. This will help

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