Okay, only a few more days of holidays before those New Year resolutions begin. And at the top of so many lists is losing weight.

Here are some simple steps to help you along the way:

* Be realistic. Now you know it took you years to put on that extra 30 pounds. Don't think you're going to lose it by next week or even two weeks from now by starving yourself. Be patient and plan for slow, steady weight loss. Research shows that slower weight loss is easier to maintain.

* Cut out that full-sugar soda and juice. I can't live without soda, so I opt for Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper. If you're a juice addict, try eating an orange instead of drinking OJ. You'll feel fuller and get a lot less calories.

* Watch your portions. Remember, one bagel is equal to about five slices of bread. That's a lot of grain. Learn about portion distortion, which I wrote about in September (Coping with portion distortion.)

* If you must have bread, go whole grain and pick brown rice instead of white.

* Read the labels on your foods for calories, sodium and fat. Sodium can make you bloated and keep you from losing weight.

* Exercise, exercise, exercise. You gotta move at least 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week to burn those calories.

* If you have to have a treat, limit the size and/or make it a healthy one. For example, try a mini -candy bar or have three Hershey's kisses (1/3 of the serving size).

Lastly, watch out for those diet saboteurs in your life. Friends and family may not be aware they are hindering your efforts by placing food close to you, encouraging you to snack or getting in the way of your exercise plans. Remember, you are doing this for yourself. And you can't love anybody else right if you don't love yourself first.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com