It's been a year since my last New You checkup with CNN. I'm delighted to say that my health has steadily improved; I've maintained my weight loss; and not once did I feel deprived. Finally I realized that prescribed diet plans don't work. When you start a diet, somewhere in the back of your mind is a plan or point in which you will stop. That is why it's important to make lifestyle changes.

Eating healthy is not all salads and chicken breasts. Nor does it mean you won't be able to eat your favorite foods. As the desserts editor for BellaOnline.com, I test recipes and review products, so learning to eat sweets in small portions was crucial.

Of all the good things I've experienced since my New You, I'm most thrilled about not having to take prescribed medication for my arthritis. When the program started, I took a leap of faith and tossed it out. (I don't recommend this to anyone. Always check with your primary care physician about any medication concerns) The arthritis is still there, but it is manageable with over-the-counter medication. How cool is that!

That's not to say it has been smooth sailing all along. This is life we're talking about here, and stuff does happen. At the onset of my lifestyle makeover, emotional eating was a big issue; well I've had several tests to see if I could hold out and I did. My son Casey recently found out that he is being deployed back to Iraq in November. That was a tough one. Emotions and common sense tugged at me, and common sense prevailed.

Exercise has been my saving grace. That along with sharing my fit tips with anyone that will listen. The most important fit tip is to approach wellness from the inside out. When you make optimal health your goal, the changes you want to see on the outside will emerge. Keep a few things in mind when formulating your goals:

Make a promise to yourself that you will totally love and accept yourself just the way you are. Not every body is destined to be a supermodel body.

Exercise is essential to successful, long-term weight loss. However, be real about what you can and cannot do. Don't be a weekend warrior, take it slow and easy.

Don't allow stress to interrupt your goals. Everyday living comes with a certain amount of stress that can't be avoided. Seek effective ways to deal with it. Remember the Serenity Prayer. Change what you can, accept what you can't, and have the wisdom to know the difference.

Don't be the Lone Ranger; a support system can make all the difference in the world. If you don't have a family member or friend who will back you 100 percent, there are online communities that will virtually hold your hand and pat you on the back.

Now allow me to share with you what has worked for me:

Have an eating plan that allows a variety of foods, eat well and often. Enjoy eating, food is not the enemy.
Get in the habit of keeping a food and activity journal, it increases your attentiveness, and is crucial in tracking your progress.

Wear a pedometer, it's a wonderful motivator.

Learn to read labels. The difference between what you think and the actual serving size can make or break an eating plan.

Increase your water intake. It helps your kidneys perform at their peak and also helps to keep you feeling full.

Exercise and cross train consistently. One workout a week does not make a fitness plan.

We have the capability and time (believe it or not) to create and implement a fitness plan. Out of 1440 minutes a day you can find at least 30 minutes of intentional or incidental exercise. Break it into 10 minutes 3 times a day if you have to. Your hunger for fitness has to be stronger than your desire for nachos and cupcakes.

Always allow some "Me" time. Need I say more?