Dear Fitness Coach,

So this is everything I have done over the past few years to lose 30 pounds and NOTHING has worked: I’ve joined a gym and was gung-ho for the first couple of months, going every day, but then my workouts slowly fizzled out to nothing (and I think I am still paying membership dues!). I did colon cleanses, juice fasts and herbal tea diets, and whatever weight I lost I quickly gained back. I tried running last summer and hated every minute of it, so I stopped. I even bought a 10-session punch card to a yoga studio and only went twice - just wasn’t my style. I am going to be 30 next May and really want to celebrate the start of my next decade being in the best shape of my life, but I have a dismal track record.

29 and not so fine!

Dear 29,

There is definitely a pattern connecting all your past weight loss endeavors: none of them had long-term sustainability for you. Whatever weight loss plan you embark on today, you must be reasonably certain that it is something you can see yourself doing next week, next month, next year and beyond.

Think of exercise as your new hobby: the more you enjoy it the more likely it is that you will do it. If you hate running and yoga, then don’t force yourself to do it. Perhaps try a spin class, MMA boxing workout or weight training. There are so many different ways to exercise, you will find something that you like, and once you do you will stick with it.

The reason why your fast-and-cleanse diets failed is because they were a temporary fix: When you went off them, the weight came back on. The best way to achieve weight loss success is with baby steps: Start to incorporate healthy foods while slowly eliminating the processed foods. Aim for one healthy addition and one junk subtraction a week. This slow transition will help mitigate your food cravings, and before you know it you will have eliminated all the stuff that’s bad for you and you’ll be left with just what’s good for you to eat.