10) If you make a plan to eat less and exercise more, and stick to it -- it works. Discover what you like, what suits you, and do it.

9) The fact Cheetos contain real cheese and are packaged with a snappy tiger ain't all that.

8) When you go off the healthy diet and workout wagon, get back on. Action this day!

7) It's important to go off the wagon now and then to remind yourself you're not missing anything that important. Like steak au poivre washed down with a little shiraz.

6) A 40-year old can finish a two-day, 150-mile charity bike ride (www.msandyou.org) or plausibly enter the Army Ten Miler run (www.armytenmiler.com) if one trains and doesn't eat everything put before him at restaurants.

5) Supportive family and pals make life better, and keep you from becoming obnoxious about it.

4) Redirecting the junk-chow budget towards new clothing that fits the New You does rock.

3) Time spent exercising creates energy that makes the rest of your day more productive. Thus a healthy person who wants to succeed can't afford not to exercise.

2) Will and judgment suffer when you are overtired. Notwithstanding scientific findings that coffee is a healthy life-giving ambrosia, it is not a complete substitute for a balanced diet and exercise.

1) If by the grace of God a lobbyist can do it, a human being can, too!