Of Bagels and Birthday Cake: How to Get Back on the Weight Loss Wagon

Maybe it was that blissfully thick frosting on your son's birthday cake that made you give in. Perhaps it was the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked bagels and the vision of whipped cream cheese, piled high, melting on those bagels (I'll take a plain water bagel, please, with extra cream cheese). Or -- oops, I did it again -- was it that carton of Rocky Road ice cream in the freezer that made your diet path, well, even rockier?

Whatever the reason, here's the reality: you lost sight of your diet. You even tossed your scale under your bed (hello, dust bunnies!). And about those skinny-target-weight clothes you bought as an incentive? Yup, they're hidden in the back of your closet.

Skip that lavish helping of guilt, and help yourself to these tips for getting back on track with your diet resolutions:

1. Cupboards, freezers, fridges, countertops: It's cleaning time. Ruthlessly go through these areas and be honest with yourself. What do you crave? What makes you think, "Well, maybe just a taste...?"

We all have our triggers. For me, it's ice cream or frozen yogurt in the freezer...or that carton of salty crackers in the cupboard. Whatever your trigger, toss it, give it away, or -- if it belongs to a family member -- ask your loved one to hide it from your view (and not give up the key!).

2. Schedule an appointment with your personal health care provider: Forget your neighbor's diet that worked for her. Recycle the diet in that magazine you "borrowed" from the beauty parlor. Talk with your physician about a food plan that's right for your own personal needs. If you have ideas, do bring them along, but listen carefully and head any suggestions or recommendations he or she provides. And be sure to ask about...

3. Exercise. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, exercise can help you succeed in your weight loss wagon. You'll tune up your metabolism, feel better about your body, and, if you participate in a mind-body routine such as yoga, you'll also uplift your spirit. What have you got to lose -- except those love handles?

Tools for Staying on Track

First, invest in a good pair of walking shoes. That way, when you can't get to the gym, or you're feeling frustrated, or you just have ten minutes and want to do something to help yourself achieve your goals, you can head out for a brisk walk.

Second, head to the bookstore. Look for books that can help you stay on track. The right tools can keep you motivated, give you ideas to try, and help you recognize options you might not even realize you have. Three new books to consider:

1. CINCH! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches: From nutritionist Cynthia Sass, this food plan offers a 30-day quick-start approach to get you going on the right to success. there's an optional "Fast Forward" section, but the core plan is the key. You'll learn how to time your meals and halt patterns such as starve all day, binge all night. The author's lively style and upbeat instructions make this book fun as well as helpful.

2. The Guru in You: A Personalized Program for Rejuvenating Your Body and Soul: This gentle guide by Cameron Alborzian offers a mind-body approach to a complete change. If you want to toss out the old and start with a new approach, consider reading this guide. This book will especially appeal to those who enjoy yoga and related practices.

3. Super Body, Super Brain: The Workout That Does It All: Trainer and athlete Michael Gonzalez-Wallace offers a program designed to stimulate your brain as well as your muscles. You'll get the science behind the exercises, the actual fitness circuits he recommends, and some nutritional suggestions.