This is not about cutting calories, or following some short-term regimen of eating wild and wacky stuff. This is about a lifestyle of good choices. What you put into your body are the raw materials for every single physiological process that takes place. Your energy level, your mental ability, your physical strength, your digestion – all of these are impacted by what you put in your mouth, chew (or drink) and swallow.

I am a huge proponent of NORMAL. That means avoiding any special weight loss diets, or anything that goes to an extreme that you will not be able to live with for the rest of your days. Normal, however, must change from our society’s current definition of “normal diet” which includes French fries, soft drinks (including “diet” drinks), sugar-laden foods, super-sized burgers, all-you-can eat buffets and triple-sized entrees at restaurants.

7 Guidelines to LIVE-it:

• Cut your portions in half. Whatever sized portions you currently eat – cut them in half, and save the rest for a snack later on.

• Drink zero soft drinks – regular or diet. Kick this habit, and you’ll save money and improve your health.

• Starting this minute – keep fresh, cold water with you at all times and make a habit of drinking based on this formula: drink the amount of water in ounces equal to half your body weight in pounds.

Example: if you weigh 160 pounds, drink 80 ounces of water a day. Drink half that amount before lunch, the other half between lunch and bedtime.

• Eliminate sugar. Reserve desserts for an occasional treat, not a habitual part of your everyday life.

• Start the habit of “grazing” throughout the day. Eat a small amount every 2 -3 hours.

• Every snack or meal should contain protein…about an equal balance between protein and carbohydrates.

• Eat breakfast everyday, and it must include protein! A protein shake is a great, convenient way to go. I use a delicious one called Metafuel that makes a great snack, too.

Begin to follow these 7 guidelines - and include moving your body around regularly - and you'll find yourself living life "normally" every day in a way that will keep you at a healthy weight.