2008 is rapidly coming to an end. What is the status of the resolutions you made last January first? Yea, me too, but guess what? There’s still plenty of time to be divine by 2009! A realistic weight loss eating plan, a few minor lifestyle changes, and a back-to-basics exercise plan can have you crossing off those 2008 resolutions at warp speed!

The first step on this journey to excellence is to find the right weight loss eating plan for you. There are so many to choose from, and frankly, most of them work if you stick to them. You’ve simply got to eat less and burn more! It’s an easy formula but it’s not easy to consistently adhere to. That’s the key by the way, consistency over time. Follow your plan over a long period of time, and you will reach your goal.

Whether you choose the healthy route and consume the major food groups in recommended amounts or attempt to follow a more “drastic diet” designed for rapid weight loss, pick one that excites you and makes you want to give it your best shot! Clear out the unhealthy and tempting items from your cupboards and refrigerator and stock up on food items that will help you reach your goal.

Additional tips to help you become divine by 2009 would include eliminating or drastically limiting your consumption of alcohol. Alcohol slows weight loss and lowers your defenses when it comes to making wise food choices; so wait until the New Year celebration to indulge. Water should be your main beverage. Sweet drinks, even diet sodas, should be dramatically reduced and limited to special occasions.

To reach your goal, you’ll want to limit the amount of sugar and sodium you consume as well. Too much sugar consumption is linked to health risks such as diabetes. Not only does it provide no nutritional benefit, but also the more you eat, the more you crave! Sodium, on the other hand, is linked to high blood pressure and makes you retain fluid. Try to substitute-reduced sodium products or add other seasonings to add flavor.

No plan of improvement would be complete without discussing activity! To be divine in ’09, you’ve got to simply burn more calories than you consume. Formal exercise in the way of cardio training, strength training, and flexibility training is ideal. Cardio burns the most calories but strength training lays the foundation for lean muscle mass and a monster metabolism! Sweating and huffing and puffing are a necessity! If you simply aren’t going to do that, then you must look for ways to be more active in your daily routine.

If you follow these simple steps for the remainder of 2008, you will be simply divine by 2009! Start the New Year as a stronger, happier, healthier you!