Almost everyone adds a few pounds during the Christmas and New Year holidays, what with all the parties and celebrations that make it harder for you to stick to your healthy eating regimen.

But, just in time to assist you with that annual New Year’s resolution to shed a few pounds, the Huffington Post has listed a few tips that can get you on a reasonable diet and keep you there, so you will be ready for swimsuit season just a few short months away.

Almost any diet will help you lose weight, but there is no perfect diet for everyone. Research has shown the most effective diet is one that you can live with and stick to over the long term. Remember, it’s not just a diet, it’s a change in lifestyle.

Number one on the list is to involve a doctor or a nutritionist in developing your diet plan. These professionals are aware of what works for many people and they can evaluate your medical condition and history to assist you in choosing a diet and exercise program that will fit your body type and fitness level.

You need to set goals for weight loss that are realistic. Make a plan based on your level of activity that allows you to calculate your caloric intake that also factors in your age and how quickly you want to lose the weight, as well as how much weight you want to lose. Remember, how much you want to lose in a short period of time may be unrealistic and will cause you to abandon your goals rather quickly when the results don’t meet your expectations.

Consider your body’s needs when picking a diet. If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, your diet may need to be structured around a healthy heart diet, and some diets can be quite expensive, so plan accordingly.

Record what you eat each day. Most people greatly underestimate how much food they consume daily and a food diary helps you know exactly how much and what types of foods you eat during the day.

It’s OK to enjoy a food that you know is not good for your diet every once in a while, but keep those food choices to a minimum. An occasional tasty treat will help you stick with your diet longer.

Get some exercise. Exercise is vital for maintaining or losing weight. It doesn’t have to be a five-mile run every day, but little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking around the block a few evenings a week can make a huge difference.

Stay focused and enthusiastic. Remember maintaining your current weight is better than adding pounds, and a weight-loss plan that actually lasts takes time to complete.

Summer will be here before you know it, so now’s the time to get started.