There are some everyday changes you can make in your daily activities that may help you shed those unwanted pounds.  I'm not talking about the next big diet craze, just some basic lifestyle changes to make the difference in how quickly you get rid of those extra pounds.

Can you change your habits?  Here are 8 healthy lifestyle changes:

1. Write it down.  Have you ever really looked at what you eat during the day?  Keep a food diary to become aware of your eating habits, if you can keep track of the calorie count, do that as well.  Try this for a full week, this will help you see how much you are eating and even how many calories you take in.  Knowing how much you eat can help you look at your diet and decide what to cut out or replace with a healthier alternative.  You must know where you are now so you can make the correct change for tomorrow.
2. Exercise everyday.  Diet and exercise should work together.  Try exercising for just 30 minutes a day.  Exercise can raise your metabolism allowing you to burn more calories.
3. Drink water exclusively.  Eliminate all sugared drinks (this includes sweetened coffee/ tea, soda, juice).
4. Lower your portion sizes.  Most meal portions are too large.  Our eyes are usually bigger than our stomach so look at what you've been eating and just try to reduce the amount you take in.
5. Cut out food additives.  The added sugar, butter, dressings and other condiments may not seem like much but they can add up.  Remember, you don't have to sacrifice flavor just read your food labels, there are  low or no calorie alternatives out there to add zest to your meal.
6. No more fried foods.  Fried foods are loaded with fat and can pack on the pounds.  Eat grilled or broiled foods instead.
7. Say good bye to the fast food restaurants.  Hamburgers, fries and soft drinks offer lots of calories without the nutrition.  Try cooking at home.  Plan your meals for the week and go ahead and prepare it, then you can quickly reheat as you need it.
8. Eat less as the day goes on. The body needs energy to stay active so make breakfast a priority.  Dinner should become the smallest meal of the day and stop eating 2-3 hours before you go to bed.