1. Don't skip breakfast — it jump starts your metabolism and gets you going. If you miss out on this meal, your body stays in sleep mode and doesn't burn the calories it could be eating up.

2. To keep your metabolism up throughout the day, snacking is a great solution. But be choosy! Avoid high fat and fast foods. Stick to healthy choices like low-fat yogurt, fruit, a handful of nuts and baby carrots or some whole wheat crackers.

3. Variety is the key to healthy eating. Eat from all the food groups throughout the day and you'll achieve a good balance.

4. Don't deprive yourself. You can eat any food you like, as long as you control the amounts.

5. Choose foods high in flavor for the most satisfaction. If you're craving cheese, try a small amount of feta or asiago, a parmesan-like hard cheese with a stronger taste than low-fat cheese. With the increase in flavor, you'll be satisfied and still eat less.

6. The same goes for cinnamon — a zero calorie addition that perks up fruit and low-fat cottage cheese. Sprinkle some on whole wheat toast with a tsp of butter for a taste treat that will bring you back to your childhood.

7. Drink water!! Our bodies need plenty of water to be healthy—and that need increases when exercise is a part of your daily routine. A good rule of thumb: Divide your weight in pounds by 2 – this is the number of ounces of water you should drink every day. So, if you weigh 130 lbs. you should drink 65 oz. of water per day. Add more when you workout.

8. Water also helps flush toxins from your body and helps your skin stay hydrated and looking great. An added plus: drinking a glass of water before a meal helps fill you up and makes you feel satisfied with a little less food.

9. A homemade fruit smoothie is a great way to get protein (low-fat milk or soy milk) good carbs (fruit) and fiber (fruit) in a quick and delicious way. Try using frozen fruit which allows you to cut down on the amount of ice needed for your smoothie; too much ice dilutes the flavor.

10. Your body needs lignans, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids—all found in ground flax seed. Toss a tablespoonful in your smoothie! Sprinkle it on your cereal or add it to anything you bake (low-fat bran muffins are a good choice.) The flax doesn't change the flavor but adds a great nutritional boost.