1. Begin an exercise program. Whether you decide to walk, run, or join the gym, do something active that gets your heart rate going for 45-60 minutes a day 4-5 days a week.

2. If you've never done any type of exercise that requires you to break a serious sweat, start slow with a low impact class or walking instead of running.

3. Once you get going, increase the duration of your cardiovascular activity - if it's a class, take a harder class; if you're a walker, walk faster, pump your arms, and go further in the same amount of time.

4. Along with your cardiovascular routine, try to incorporate a muscle conditioning routine - at the gym ask a trainer to put you on a program or buy, borrow, or rent some videos to get some help. You want to condition your muscles to keep them toned and strong. Plus, building muscle also increases your metabolism, so you burn more calories naturally.

5. Continue to exercise, but don't forget to eat a well-balanced diet as well. No deprivation required--really! Just make sure you are not overeating anything. Include protein from lean meats, carbs from whole grain foods, veggies and fruit, lean dairy, and water. As for sweets, if you eat a well balanced meal and eat until you feel satisfied, it's likely that you will feel OK passing on that dessert, however if it is a must have then your options are to a.) share it with friends, b.)go for the least of all evils. Fat free chocolate pudding, ice pops, a few chocolate kisses, etc.

6. Include this facial exercise in your routine: Tilt your head back, mouth the vowels AEIOU in an exaggerated manner then pretend to kiss the ceiling.

1. Consult a doctor to make sure you have no health problems contributing to weight gain or loss in certain areas. Also, have your thyroids checked.

2. Wear walking/running or the appropriate exercise shoes to avoid injuries to your knees and hips.
Wear comfortable clothing

3. Don't forget your water bottle!!