My New Year's resolution was to get fit and toned in 2011. I adopted some lazy eating habits in college, and have yet to grow out of them. Sadly, my metabolism is slowing as I get older and it definitely showing in all the WRONG places (I can give Kim Kardashian a run for her money in the booty department....wahhhh). I decided not to cut out any foods from my diet as that usually does a reverse psychology number on me, making me crave it even more. Instead, I am planning to eat everything in moderation and step up the exercise routine. Here's some tricks I have up my sleeve to make my resolution a reality in 2011!

I have been tracking all my calorie intake & exercise on MyFitnessPal.com, and it is a HUGE help when it comes to my mindless muching habit.You can also download an app, which I have on my phone. It's great for on-the-go additions.
I know this may seem shallow, but I hate looking like a sloppy sweaty mess in the gym. Hideous baggy clothes don't motivate me to work out. I have to dress the part. Ugh, maybe that is some super insane excuse I have developed over the years to avoid working out....but regardless, the beautiful apparel from Clary Sage Organics is a good to invest in. I love the Victoria's Secret yoga pants for their long length (I am 6'!) and affordability. These Puma trainers are stylish and cool. I also have been wanting to try those sneakers that tone your derriere...any of you have a pair you love/hate?

 May good pal Jenny, who is a little skinny mini so I have to trust her on this, swears by the Jillian Michaels workout DVDs. To be honest, Jillian scares the hell out of me...but maybe I need her to shout her tough love at me through the TV?

I have to have music when I am working out. I tend to zone out when I am exercising, and the beat of the music is all that keeps me going. I like finding out about new artists and songs through Pandora and Stereomood. I posted my playlist on iTunes for you here!

Greek yogurt with fiber-rich cereal and a teeny bit of honey and sprinkled on top in the morning....nom nom nom.  So filling and protein-packed. I like the Fage 0% Fat Free and Chobani Fat Free Vanilla best. The Trader Joe's Greek yogurts are a bit too thin for my taste, and I am not a big fan. Lunch is usually a salad. Dinner is totally random each night, and lately the hubby has been all about the slow cooker. I have been making lots of stews and roasts, and it's actually pretty easy and healthy to cook that way because you don't have to cook with added fats. Dessert is frozen fruit....I pretend it's sorbet. This one ingredient "ice cream" I posted about earlier is a staple!

 I don't own a scale, and I gauge how much I have gained/lost through how my clothes are fitting. The Adjust-A-Button is a nifty little gadget that helps get the perfect fit instantly on too-loose (or tight, but I desperately hope I don't have that scenario) waistbands. I would actually recommend weighing yourself before you start a diet, then ditch the scale. You'll know you're making progress without the daunting number. When you need a little encouragement, step on the scale and see how far you have come.