I find that when it comes to exercise, there are those that are fanatical about exercise and those that absolutely loathe it - I happen to fall right smack dab in the latter. In fact, I’m not sure you could even find someone who despised exercise as much as myself. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely physical activities I enjoy such as hiking and swimming but I dare say you will never find me sweating it out at the local gym.

So needless to say, I was intrigued when Nintendo released the Wii and even more excited to learn about EA Sports Active, an interactive workout program that bridges the (very large) gap between gym and home. Users can choose from a variety of different workouts for just a single session or start a complete 30-day challenge. Each workout can be customized and can encompass various exercises such as boxing or bicep curls.

What’s better than working out in your own home? How about working out in your home with an entire program that guides you step-by-step to the perfect bikini bod? Click here to read more EA Sports Active for the Wii.

In a controlled, randomized clinical trial,doctors tested a group of overweight individuals who took Akavar 20/50.  Of the 24 individuals that participated, an impressive 23 lost a substantial amount of weight - that’s all but one person!  Paired with a sensible diet and regular exercise, Akavar can be a very powerful ally in your weight-loss battle.  Want to learn more about Akavar?  Visit the official Akavar 20/50 website or feel free to call one of their customer service reps with any additional questions you may have at 1-800-898-5153.

Dieting - Did you know that dieting can be a huge weight loss mistake since it can foster behavior and eating habits that actually cause you to gain weight? Dieting often entails cutting out all your favorite foods and skipping meals, which can lead to caving in and binge eating. Instead of strict dieting, try just eating more healthy foods that you enjoy - fresh fruit, raw veggies with low-fat dip, whole-grain toast, turkey and avocado sandwiches, salad, etc.

Skipping Breakfast - There’s a reason you’re mom always told you breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Your body needs food to keep your metabolism high - the higher your metabolism, the more calories you’re body will burn. Providing your body with fuel early in the day will keep your metabolism high and burn more calories than if you hadn’t eaten breakfast.

Not Keeping Track of your Efforts - Recording your successes and failures when it comes to losing weight will help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Write down everything you eat so you can pinpoint areas of improvement (and you’ll be less likely to overeat). Take before and after pictures of yourself every time you reach a minor weight loss goal.

Dark chocolate is known to reduce blood pressure and it is rich with antioxidants that are good for you. But remember: although dark chocolate is good for you, be sure that you nibble moderately and remember your end goal for your weight loss plan.

2. “Ants on a Log”:

This snack is a childhood favorite for many. All you have to do is take a stick of celery and put peanut butter on the top of it. Then place raisins on the top of the peanut butter. This healthy snack is low in calories and extremely healthy for you.

3. Trail mix:

It is well-known that nuts are very good for you. They have the healthy kind of fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and they are also relatively high in fiber and vitamins and minerals.

4. Craisins

If you like raisins, then you will surely like this snack. Craisins are dried of cranberries and they are the sweetest way to eat a cranberry. Plus, only 1/3 of a cup of this delicious snack will give you the entire serving of fruit that you need in a day.

5. Bananas

Not only are bananas creamy and delicious, but they are also nutritious for you to eat. Just eat bananas as it comes, toss some in your breakfast cereal, or blend bananas with low-fat milk to make a yummy smoothie.

6. Hummus

Hummus, made from garbanzo beans, is an extremely healthy spread because of the protein and fiber content. You can eat hummus in a variety of ways: on a sandwich, with vegetables or used as dip for pita bread.

7. Cantaloupe Treat

This tasty treat is made with a half of a cantaloupe filled with fat free cottage cheese, a dash of cinnamon and some berries. This treat is especially good if you are looking for a sweet dessert, but don’t want to stuff your face with calories.

Bicycling - Forget the stationary bike at the gym…put the pedal to the metal outdoors! You don’t have to go extreme mountain biking to burn calories…a simple ride around the neighborhood will do. And with trendy beach cruisers like this, what’s not to love?

Swimming - A great overall body workout, swimming can tone your limbs, build your muscles, and burn calories.  Even better, it’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy!  Don’t have a pool?  Check out your local YMCA, high school, or community center.

Yardwork - Shed pounds by exercising that green thumb.  Whether it’s planting flowers, mowing the grass, trimming plants, or pulling weeds, you can burn calories making your yard a beautiful and picturesque sanctuary.

Rollerblading - When was the last time you strapped on a pair of rollerblades?  Grab your sweetheart or a group of friends and go rollerblading in the park, along a boardwalk, or just down the street.   It burns a lot of calories and you’ll be working your leg and back muscles.

Hiking - Have you seen everything there is to see in your very own backyard?  Hiking is a great way to explore the areas around you while working up sweat.  Look up local hiking trails, national and state parks, and tourist attractions in your area.

I have to admit, I’m a fast food junkie - it’s quick, cheap, and oh so good!  But not always so good for you.  If you’re like me (that is, a fast food junkie who would like to shed a few pounds before beach season begins - ACK!), then you’re in luck!  On the Today Show website, I found the most nutritious fast-food salads (sounds a bit like an oxymoron, doesn’t it?).  So in addition to taking Akavar 2050, pick up one of these tasty (and cheap!) salads next time you need to eat on the go.

• McDonald’s Premium Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken - 300 calories
• Panera Classic Cafe Salad - 400 calories
• Au Bon Pain Butternut Squash Salad - 280 calories
• Jack in the Box Southwest Chicken Salad with Grilled Chicken Strips - 310 calories
• Carl’s Jr. Charbroiled Chicken Salad - 330 calories
• Denny’s Grilled Chicken Salad Deluxe - 290 calories
• Arby’s Martha’s Vineyard Salad - 272 calories

Make it Public – Letting your close friends and family know that you are trying to lose weight will not only hold you accountable for your actions (who wants to repeatedly make mistakes that everyone can see?) but it can also provide your very own, much-needed cheer squad.

Read the Labels – It’s not the most enjoyable task but it can make all the difference when it comes to losing weight and getting healthy. Pay particular attention to the ingredients list, calorie count, and serving size – for every serving you eat, you have to double the calories!

Befores & Afters – Taking before photos of yourself can get you motivated to lose weight, while the after photos clearly demonstrate all your hard work. Few things have as big of a motivational effect as before and after photographs of yourself - not to mention they are the easiest way for you to document all your progress.

Get Enough Beauty Rest – In order to function as a mean, lean, fat-burning machine, the body has to get enough sleep, which typically means at least eight hours a night. Sleep is the body’s way of restoring and rejuvenating itself, so when you feel fatigued and tired, you aren’t functioning optimally and likely gaining more than you’re losing.

Take a Supplement – While (most) diet pills are indeed designed to help you lose weight, a weight loss supplement can also have a powerful psychological effect, giving you the jumpstart you need to get serious about losing weight.

Find Support Online – Tap into the power of the Internet. With just a few mouse clicks, you can literally connect with individuals from all over the globe who are in the same boat as you. Connecting with someone who can empathize with your failures and celebrate your success can be an incredibly powerful tool in the weight loss battle.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others – It’s imperative that you truly recognize that everyone’s body is different and consequently, everyone will lose weight differently. Comparing yourself to others can make you feel discouraged and lose focus of your goals.