Being in the health and fitness industry I think the question that I most often get asked is 'How can I lose 10 pounds.' This question frustrates me to no end, not because it's not possible to lose 10 pounds, but because those who ask it are usually not willing to put in the work and effort needed to achieve their goals.

For instance, at my Christmas dinner a friend asked that very question. The first question I shot back at her was 'How do you plan on doing it?' She told me she saw this enticing commercial on TV for a product called Slim in 6. She told me the commercial claimed she could quickly lose weight. Wow! I thought a weight loss product that can quickly help you lose weight with no effort that must be something new. The fact is most of the weight loss products on the market make promises and ridiculous claims that aren’t substantiated.

I continued to probe to determine how she planned on losing weight. I asked her if she worked out. She told me she wasn't really into the gym and didn't want to 'bulk up' by using weights. Going to the gym or being active isn’t a new fad and it's not really about 'being into working out'. Staying active whether it's at the gym or doing other activities that get your heart rate up are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle.

I then asked her about her diet. This is the part that usually makes me cringe the most. She told me she only eats twice a day. Once at around lunchtime and again when she gets home from a long day at work which is usually a huge dinner. She also told me she is trying to 'do the breakfast thing.' Again, eating breakfast - not really a new fad. Fueling your day isn't something that you should try it should be part of your daily routine. She said she usually survived on coffee and water during the day.

It's really hard to make drastic lifestyle changes such as including exercise into your already hectic day or attempt to eat more often throughout the day when you barely have enough time to think let alone make yourself a bowl of oatmeal. But if you're serious about losing weight and making a change you're going to need to make small adjustments in your plan. These 10 weight loss tips can help you get your plan on track.

If you want to learn more about a weight loss diet check out some of the following sections on Diet Nation:

Ridiculous Diets - if you're looking for a unique way to lose weight check these diets out. But I'm warning you they're not going to help you keep the weight off.

Maintenance Diets - some of these diets are decent, but you'll need to put the work in to see the results.

Quick Fix - if you're trying to lose weight quickly (just like my friend) these diets are for you. They're impossible to maintain for the long haul and you'll most likely gain the weight back after, but if that's your goal these diets are for you.

So, when you start to think about your New Year's Resolutions and decide you want to lose weight it's important to incorporate a healthy lifestyle change into to your plan. Sure, using a weight loss pill or following a diet that promises a quick fix sounds tempting but I guarantee you won’t be able to keep the weight off. Instead, follow some of the tips outlined throughout Diet Nation and attempt to make your weight loss plan a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix. Good luck with all your efforts.