Erica Mesirov

Avoid starting with a crash diet or with something that didn't work the last time you tried. Your diet should improve digestion, ease inflammation, reduce stress and be nutrient-rich to curb the body's tendency to store fat. Focus on healing. Lose weight slowly and steadily. Accept and address the emotional reasons that are causing you to turn to food for comfort.

Keep the rewards in focus. Stress encourages fat storage. Calmly meditate, practise yoga, take a bubble bath! Stay well hydrated to avoid bingeing and inflammation. Learn to lean on a mentor or on a fitness buddy for advice. Don’t be overambitious with your weight loss targets. Hide the weighing scales away. Nourish yourself. Explore exciting ways to burn more calories!

Use unsweetened protein powder in your smoothies. Use dates and raisins in cereals instead of honey and agave syrup. Avoid honey roasted, ranch flavored or barbecued nuts. Avoid non-dairy milk from store shelves as they have added sugars; make them at home instead. Avoid cough drops, canned soups, salad dressings, whole grain breads, pasta sauce, etc.

Inflammation may be the reason for your tiredness, depression, lethargy and brain fog. Check for food sensitivity and eliminate foods that trigger symptoms. Hidden sugars in processed foods can cause candida and weaken your digestion. Add supportive foods before going on a restrictive diet to avoid nutrient deficiency. Give time for body to rest and recover.

Drinking adequate water. Simple way to calculate your daily water intake - divide your weight in pounds by 2. The result is the number of ounces you should drink daily. Consuming local produce. Embracing your body (curvy or not). Following diets and fitness regimes in moderation. Focusing on the journey of your health goals, instead of focusing on the destination.

Stock up on healthy snacks and avoid buying unhealthy stuff on the go. Make a list of healthy restaurants and ask for healthier alternatives while ordering. Set clear perceivable end goals to avoid losing motivation and focus. Expect emotional eating once a while but don't give in to foods heavy in sugar. Reward yourself with non-edible gifts on achieving goals.

Burdock, chicory roots, dandelion and turmeric help detox the liver. Treat stomach disorders with aloe vera, parsley, flaxseed, ginger and licorice. Lemon balm, ashwagandha and valerian help keep stress at bay. Balance your hormones with astralagus and chasteberry. Anti-inflammatory oils are good additions to skin care potions. Take necessary precautions.

Nuts are filled with healthy fats and suppress hunger. No-mayo tuna with whole grain crackers provides a rich dose of protein and fiber. Hummus with veggies is rich in fiber and good source of protein. Other options include yogurt parfait with berries and hemp seeds, hard boiled eggs, apple with cheese, lettuce wraps and strawberries dipped in Greek yogurt.