Pop Quiz: What is the number one New Year's Resolution? Right - losing weight and improving health.

There is no secret solution to losing unwanted pounds. According to Julie Lewis, R.D.C.D., a dietician at Memorial Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Center, "Losing weight comes down to calories in and calories out. There isn't a magical combination of foods that will melt away the fat. To lose weight, you need to change your lifestyle."

Dr. Gregory Ferro, D.O., agrees. "To be successful in weight loss, you need to change your habits. Trade your unhealthy habits for new, healthier ones. If you keep your motivation up there, you'll soon see results; and that will be your incentive to keep going."

Breaking old habits and staying motivated are two of the biggest obstacles to weight loss. Knowing this in advance can help you develop strategies for overcoming these roadblocks.

"Making changes is always hard," Lewis said. "Break your overall goal into smaller, more attainable goals, and then reward yourself with a little splurge when you hit that goal."

She added, "The biggest thing is to stay positive. Realize you will always have setbacks but don't look at them as failures. One setback doesn't mean your diet is over. Just move on from the setback and get yourself back on track. You will always have lapses but you should view them as stepping stones."

Ferro noted, "You will set yourself up for failure if you try to eliminate all your favorite foods. Instead of completely cutting them out, try keeping the portion sizes in check better or allow yourself to enjoy a sampling of a favorite treat."

"Of course, around January 1st, we are swamped with people wanting to set up a weight loss program," Lewis said. "Having a start date for your program is a good way to pump up your motivation. But is doesn't have to be once a year. Many people look at the beginning of each month as if it were New Year's Day. I know many others who look at Mondays that way, too. It is simply a time to start again and forget about past mistakes."

"You won't be tempted to cheat if you keep high-calorie food out of your house and substitute with a variety of healthy choices," Ferro said. "Stay motivated by trying some new, healthy recipes you find in fitness magazines."

He added, "Don't feel as though you can't start an exercise program in the winter. Winter time is a great time to get active, especially for snow lovers. Or you can take up a hobby that will keep you busy so your mind is off food."

"Another way to stay motivated is to surround yourself with other people who are also trying to lose weight," Lewis said. "You can support each other and help inspire each other because you all have the same goals and you all want to be healthy together."

She concluded, "The term 'diet' seems to imply that it is a temporary thing. The real key to maintaining optimal weight is to change your whole lifestyle permanently. Diets may promote quick weight loss, but the best way for long-term results is to start slowly and take a healthy approach."

Ferro added, "2006 can be your year to lose weight and improve your health. You can do it if you stay motivated for long-term success."