12 Ways to Have Your Happiest and Fittest Year Ever

New year, new chance to live well. Experts share simple ways to enjoy your happiest, fittest, and most prosperous year yet.

13 Comfort Foods That Burn Fat

Your favorite feel-good foods don't have to pile on the pounds—some can help you lose weight.

No Excuses Anymore

My weight problem started with motherhood: I had four kids in six years, and the back-to-back pregnancies made it difficult to shed the baby pounds—not to mention that taking care of my children (at one point, I had three in diapers!) left me drained. Still, it wasn't until I was buying shorts in the summer of 2010 that I realized how heavy I was. I started my try-ons with a size 12 and didn't find a pair that fit until I got up to size 18! That was it: I had to take back control of my body.



PORTIONS, HALVED



My first step? Signing up for Nutrisystem. The program gave me structure, something that had been missing from my life. I no longer had to plan what to eat—everything was laid out in right-size portions, helping me do away with double dinners. Within 2½ months, I was down 25 pounds. Slipping into clothes that I had given up hope of ever wearing again was just the motivation I needed to stick with it.



GYM FEAR, CONQUERED



After five months of healthy eating, I hit the treadmill and walked for 30 minutes three times a week, eventually building up to an hour five days a week. In less than a month I dropped another 10 pounds. I kicked up my exercise and added in twice-weekly workouts with a trainer. She introduced me to circuit training, indoor cycling and running. In May 2011 I hit my 147-pound goal. Looking back, I see that it was easy to pass the blame to the kids, as if they were why I let myself go. Honestly, it was just poor decision-making. Now I've learned the importance of healthy choices. The most crucial: making time for myself.



HOW INSPIRING Check out the secrets to Jaclyn's body reinvention. And follow Health on Pinterest (pinterest.com/goodhealth) for more real-world-tested tips on staying in shape.



MY GO-TO MEAL: GRILLED CHICKEN AND ARUGULA SALAD



It's easy and it tastes good. Plus, it's a sentimental meal. It had a lot to do with getting me to where I am now, which is why I still eat it several times a week.



FAVE SNACK- ATTACK BUSTER: VEGGIES



I always have tons on hand. For a quick treat, I roast kale with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil. Sometimes I'll even down a bag of raw broccoli to keep me from going to the pantry for something unhealthy.



CALORIE SIZZLER: SPIN CLASS



I wasn't always gung-ho about it. My gym buddies used to call me "Jackie in the Backy" because I'd sit in the back, next to the door, for an easy escape.



FITNESS ROLE MODEL: JAMIE EASON



She's an NFL cheerleader turned trainer. I was inspired by her great body and seemingly genuine personality, so I incorporated her workouts into my regimen. I even make a few of her recipes, like Turkey Meatloaf Muffins.



SHARE YOUR TRANSFORMATION



Have an amazing body makeover of your own? Tell us about it at health.com/i-did-it and let us know what diet and fitness strategies worked for you.

Lose 10 Inches in 10 Days

With this total-body workout from celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, you'll get fit and lose weight in no time.

14 Rules to Get Fit in 2014

Get fit and lose weight fast with tips from celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson

6 Fitness Myths, Busted (And 3 Surprising Facts)

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Is My Body Normal?

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10 Ways Your Personality Affects Your Weight

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14 Ways to Cut Portions Without Feeling Hungry

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6 Races You'll Love!

Thinking about signing up for a race? Start with one of these six fun runs.

11 Exercises That Build Muscle Without Bulk

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Hydration and Exercise: How to Get It Right

Grand Plié With Kick by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do the Grand Plié With Kick workout move. This is a challenging exercise that requires balance and control. You'll want to really engage your abs each time you pull your body up. This move targets the back, chest, arms, abs, glutes, inner thighs, quads, and hamstrings.

All-Fours Leg Swing by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows your how to do the All-Fours Leg Swing workout move. You'll want to go all in on this exercise, which combines a leg lift with a swing. Keep your movements precise, and don't place your entire body weight on your elbow. This move targets the back, chest, arms, sides, glutes, and outer thighs.

Army Crawl Leg Extension by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do the Army Crawl Leg Extension workout move. To get the most out of this exercise, keep your hands under your armpits and be sure to keep your gaze down so that your neck stays in a neutral position. This move targets the shoulders, back, chest, abs, glutes, and inner thighs.

Side Hip Drop and Kick by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do the Side Hip Drop and Kick workout move. Keep in mind that after the dip, you'll want to raise your hip as high as you can before you extend your leg out to the side. This move targets the shoulders, upper back, core, butt, and outer thighs.

Stretch, Bend and Kick by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do the Stretch, Bend, and Kick workout move. Precision is key with this exercise, so pay close attention to each step of this move. This workout targets the chest, abs, glutes, and hamstrings.

Plank With Arm/Leg Lift by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do a Plank With Arm/Leg Lift workout move. This is a challenging move that targets the upper back, chest, sides, core and glutes.

Mini Squat With Leg Extension by Tracy Anderson

Learn how to a Mini Squat With Leg Extension workout move by watching this video by celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson. You can seriously work your glutes, quads , and more with this challenging move. You'll want to go all in on this full body move, so lengthen your leg as much as possible to really feel a stretch.

Single-Leg Kick by Tracy Anderson

In this video, celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson shows you how to do the Single-Leg Kick workout move. This exercise targets your arms, legs, and core. For best results, separate your feet as far as you can, and release your hips to get the range of motion that will engage your glutes.

8 Workout Moves With Tracy Anderson

Watch this video to get a serious head-to-toe and front-to-back workout with celebrity trainer, Tracy Anderson. You can lose up to 10 inches over your entire body in 10 days by doing these exercises six days a week along with 30 to 60 minutes of cardio. This workout series leaves no muscle unworked! To start, cycle through all of the exercises on your right side, then repeat them on your left.

How to Become an Exercise Addict

Twenty tips and tricks to make your workout a healthy (and fun!) everyday habit.

Blast Fat With Circuit Training

Using dumbbells and a medicine ball, this high-intensity, metabolism boosting workout burns up to 600 calories.

5-Minute Fat Burners

Burn calories in just 5 minutes with these easy at-home moves.

15 Top Medical Weight Loss Centers

Losing weight is never easy, but you can get safe, healthy treatments from these top-rated programs.

Standing Glute Toner

Tighten your tush with these leg lifts

The 20 Best Foods to Eat for Breakfast

These staples and mix-ins will give you all the energy and nutrients you need in the morning.

25 Ways to Cut 500 Calories a Day

Finally a weight loss plan that really works! Find out how to drop two pounds a week by trimming 500 calories each day.

20 Ways to Torch 200 Calories

Staying slim doesn't have to be a major undertaking. We found 20 easy ways to burn calories that don't require a trip to fitness boot camp

Best and Worst Health Trends of 2013

Take a lesson from this year's diet fads, fitness flubs, and expert-approved movements.

Worst Things to Say To Someone Trying to Lose Weight

8 Great Workout DVDs to Try Now

Sculpt, burn and tone— no gym required. These eight reader-approved videos will whip you into shape in no time.

Beat Bloat with Yoga

If holiday overindulgence has upset your digestion, beat bloat and flatten your belly with these 14 yoga poses

Best Holiday Gifts for Active Women

Gifts for runners, yoga lovers, gym goers, and more

10 Winter Health Myths Busted

Want to cozy up to better health this winter? First, shake off these common cold-weather health myths.

10 Foods That Fight Holiday Stress

These foods that can slash stress, curb anxiety, and help you make it to the New Year emotionally unscathed.

21 Holiday Health Mistakes

Why is it so hard to stay healthy during the holiday season?

Holiday Gift Guide: Feel Good Gifts

Great gifts you can feel good about giving this holiday.

9 Signs You're Headed for a Holiday Meltdown

Here are nine signs you could be headed for a holiday meltdown, and how to stop the implosion before it happens.

5 Healthy Christmas Treats to Make With Kids

Cookies, popcorn, and other kid-friendly holiday treats are often loaded with fat and sugar. Ditch the store-bought varieties for simple recipes you can make together.

11 Holiday Health Hazards to Avoid

Check out these top holiday health risks and what you can do to avoid them.

31 No-Stress Holiday Entertaining Tips

No need to run yourself ragged over the holidays. Try these tips for simple, elegant holiday entertaining.

Run Happy All Winter Long

Chilly days? Not a problem. Just follow our primer for safely logging miles when the temperature drops.

Holiday Tech Gifts Active Women Will Love

Gadgets to take yoga, running, and more to the next level

15 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Is it possible to celebrate the season without packing on pounds? You bet! We found 10 simple strategies for preventing holiday weight gain (plus a painless way to actually knock off weight).

13 Weight Loss Resolutions You Shouldn't Make

Swap sure-to-fail New Year's resolutions with goals you'll actually stick to.

6 Secrets for a Faster Metabolism

Yes, your metabolism is partly ruled by genetics. But everyone can make the most of what they've got to be their slimmest, fittest self. Here's how.

25 Ways to Fight Holiday Stress

Do you get stressed-out around the holidays? These 25 expert tips will help you relax and actually enjoy the holidays.

How Exercise Can Prevent Diabetes

If you're sedentary or overweight, you tend to develop type 2 diabetes at an earlier age than you would if you excercised and lost weight. Gerald Bernstein, MD, is an endocrinologist with a family history of the disease. He knew that exercise can help delay the onset of diabetes and started running in his mid-40s. He wasn't diagnosed until he was 65; many of his family members were diagnosed in their 40s.

I Was Sinking Into a Diabetic Coma

Deborah, 57, thought she had strep throat, but she was sinking into a diabetic coma. She didn't know that high blood sugar that's left untreated can cause diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome; both are life threatening.

Mountain Climbers

This metabolism-boosting move burns mega-calories and strengthens your core, hips, and thighs. Check out our video of this plyometric move, which gets great results and offers heart-pumping cardio too.

24 Fat-Burning Ab Exercises (No Crunches!)

Abdominal exercises to burn fat, flatten your belly, and strengthen your core.

6 Ways to Enjoy Cocktails Guilt-Free

With the help of these tips, you can drink your favorite Christmas sips while still maintaining your feel great weight.

50 Healthy Gifts Under $50

9 Foods That Boost Metabolism Naturally

Turn up your body's fat burn with these healthy foods

V Lunge Switch

Adding a light weight to a traditional lunge doubles the benefits and improves your balance.

Standing Knee Tuck

This move strengthens your whole core.

Thumb Arm Figure 8

This easy looking but deceptively difficult move will eliminate upper arm jiggle.

Seated Spinal Twist

If you have a tight lower back, this move can help.

Split Squat Rotation

Use this move to work out your arms and legs at the same time.

Cheerleader

A squat kick move that helps you build lower body strength and stamina

How to Get Strong Hips, Buttocks, and Thighs

Strengthen and tone your lower body with this lunging twist.

6 Fast Cellulite Fighters

You can reduce those dimples on your butt and thighs by building muscle and boosting blood circulation to your trouble spots. These easy exercises can tone and tighten your glutes, thighs, and hips to make cellulite less visible.

Yoga Poses for Less Stress and Better Sleep

This relaxing yoga routine will help calm your mind and body so that you can get a better night's sleep. Do these easy stretches and exercises every night before bed and soon you'll be waking up with long, toned muscles and less back and neck pain.

5 Best Moves for Flatter Abs

Looking to sculpt your abs fast? This high-powered workout targets all of the muscles that shape your waist. Learn the flat-belly moves that will tighten your tummy, strengthen your core, and cinch your waist without doing crunches!

How to Tone Your Abs, Hips, and Waist

This pilates move is great for toning the abdominals, hips, and waist