Change the Way You Eat

Commit to a healthier lifestyle by eating a nutrient-rich salad daily. — Getty Images

4. Make a strong commitment to a lifestyle change: Challenge yourself and strengthen your commitment to a healthier lifestyle by asking these questions each week.

Is my daily calorie intake appropriate? Is my fat intake less than 30 percent of my total calories?

Is the diet balanced? Am I eating the appropriate number of servings from different food groups?

Is my outlook about weight management and health a positive one? Do I have patterns that interfere with my losing weight?

Do I get 30 minutes of exercise in daily? Can I increase this amount?

Can I do playful activities to help increase my cardio time and make it more enjoyable?

Again, changing habits can take time. But when the going gets tough, don't quit. Recommit.

Carole Carson, author of From Fat to Fit: Turn Yourself into a Weapon of Mass Reduction, serves as the coach for the AARPFat to Fit online community.