You probably know by now that your soda is loaded with sugar. Classic soda is a favorite, not only for the caffeine but also for the sugar it contains. Thankfully for your weight loss goal, there are many better ways to satisfy the need for caffeine or some satisfying bubbles while staying away from drinks with a high sugar content that will derail your diet.

There is something so delicious about the taste of Mediterranean food. Perhaps it’s the freshness of the ingredients, or the blending of the herbs and spices that come together just right to make your mouth water over the sights and smells of the food on offer. Whichever it is, there is no denying that a choice dish influenced by the Mediterranean can enhance all the other plates around it.

While many people want to lose 10-15 pounds to look better or to fit in their old clothes, there are some very compelling health reasons to lose the weight as well. Coupling these appearance and health reasons can be a great way to motivate you to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The short-term benefit is always the fun new outfits and the compliments from friends, but being healthier and more active always pays off in helping you live a longer and healthier life.

When a new year begins, we are so full of optimism and excitement. However, this quickly fades, and we return almost immediately to our old patterns. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are five tips to keep you organized regarding your weight loss regime and motivated all year round for a healthier way of life.

December allows you to get creative in the kitchen and make all kinds of scrumptious holiday meals. Forget the high fat, high carb meals, however. We have put together a selection of healthy meals to allow you to stick to your diet, continue with your weight loss plan and stay within your calorie allowance.

Entertaining during the holiday season can be a lot of fun. It gives you the chance to bring out your favorite snack recipes and share your cooking with your family and friends. You can decorate the dining room and make it a real colorful occasion. December gives you the opportunity to go all out, focusing on presentation and adding personalized touches to the dining table. Well thought out displays like small candles and floral bunches can make a dramatic difference. A festive centerpiece adds a real feeling of warmth to the occasion, sparking great conversation and creating wonderful memories.

You don’t have to look too hard to see all the delicious holiday food and drink on offer at this time of year. With eggnog, pumpkin pie and Christmas cookies in every store tempting you to purchase and eat, it can be difficult to stay focused on your weight loss program. These sweet treats, and many others like them, can often mean that all thoughts of your diet simply fly out the window.

People make the decision to lose weight for a variety of reasons. For some, they wish to look better for an upcoming event, such as a wedding or high school reunion. For others, weight loss becomes a critical necessity due to health and/or medical issues. Regardless of why you choose to lose weight, you should keep in mind that choosing a healthy way to do so has positive long-term effects. Healthy weight loss affects many aspects of our lives - from looking better, to boosting your self-confidence, to improving your health. Before starting on your weight loss plan, it’s also a good idea to personally assess the way you feel about your own body image.

After a busy day at work, school or home, you may not have time (or energy) to whip up a full meal for dinner. It’s often tempting to order takeout or go through the drive-through for instant gratification. However, when you’re trying to lose weight, you already know the importance of preparing meals at home. Fortunately, there are many recipes you can enjoy while losing weight which are not only simple to whip up but are also delicious and satisfying. When you’re craving something fast, fresh and filling but want to stick to your weight loss goals, this recipe for Smoked Salmon Salad in Avocado Boats will hit the spot.

Most of us have two very important goals in our lives: staying healthy and living well. Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to achieving these goals. One good thing about achieving good health and wellness is that it’s never too late to start. Even if you have spent the past several years eating poorly, not exercising, and/or abusing substances, you can turn things around. All you need to do is get started and never look back. Are you ready to start on the journey to good health and wellness? Read on to learn about three main areas you should begin focusing on today for a healthier tomorrow – and beyond.