The New Year is here and all around all I hear are people talking about their new diet. You cannot turn on the radio or the TV without commercials for diets, diet pills, gyms, exercise equipment, prepackaged “health” foods or any one of probably one-hundred more products promising a new year means a “new you.”

I am okay with the old me, thank you very much. Even if I am currently giving Jennifer Lopez a run for her money. You, too, may be reflecting on the 5, 10, 13, 20, 27, 42 or even 2 pounds put on over the holidays, the semester, the season, the last year, the last five years, since you got married… or since the original 90210 went off the air. But I digress.

Is weight loss really a secret? We all know that diet and exercise is the way to go. The downside is, although it’s no secret, it’s really hard work! The biggest secret is how to get and stay motivated. Instead of thinking about what you want to wear, think about your health and longevity. Talk to a doctor before starting a diet or exercise regimen. Figure out how much time you have to workout, to cook, and okay, okay… how much time you’re gonna need to shop for new bikinis when you succeed.

A lot of women (and men) get discouraged because weight loss does not happen quickly enough. It’s totally okay and NORMAL to start an exercise regimen and notice a couple of extra pounds the first weeks. It can be anything from your muscles holding water to repair themselves, or new muscle (which as we all know, weighs more than fat)! So stop obsessing over the scale and start focusing on baby steps towards keeping yourself healthy.

For the New Year, I plan to cut out most sweets, junk food, and simple carbs. This means I’ll be eating a lot less of my favorite candy, breads (I really won’t miss ‘em), pasta, and chips. I’ll be eating more lean protein like salmon and grilled chicken, greens like spinach and broccoli, and healthy carbs like whole wheat pasta and brown rice. If you like detox (as always, consult a physician), check out a simple detox from our own Rosanne Clemente. A former Miss Fitness New Jersey, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine, in addition to having trained many people successfully.

Take your exercise slow. Don’t overdo it with activities your body is not used to, or too-heavy weights. You have to build your body to higher fitness levels. Jumping in head first may cause exhaustion, frustration with your body’s limitations– or worse: It can cause serious injuries to your body. That will get you nowhere, fast!

I am typically a long distance runner, but since I am starting out the year with a knee injury common to runners, my doctor advised me to do lower impact workouts. Some good examples are speed walking, biking, swimming, or running on an elliptical machine.

Beware of the “get thin quick” schemes. Baby steps. You’ll get there.