TODAY, I drink more water than I think I need.

A quick test to see if you are dehydrated: Relax one hand and gently pinch a small piece of skin on the back of that hand. If it takes a few seconds to go back to its original smoothness, you need more water.

TODAY, my goal is to lose 1 pound.

Sometimes our goals are too big to get our heads around. Each day make it your goal to lose 1 pound. That is much easier to do than lose 20 or 40 or 60 pounds!

TODAY, I do something--or part of something--that I've been putting off.

One of the reasons we overeat is procrastination. We need to do something we don't really want to do, so we do something else to avoid it--eat! When you take care of a task, that's one less reason to eat.

TODAY, I walk more to get in shape and to benefit the planet.

Fighting global warming is good for your waistline. If every American spent 30 minutes a day walking or cycling instead of driving, we would cut carbon emissions by 64 million tons and shed 3 billion pounds of excess flab in just one year, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

TODAY, I won't quit.

There are only 2 times you fail: When you tell yourself you have or when you quit trying. Weight loss can be a challenging endeavor. It can also be a character-building exercise. Which way do you choose to perceive it?

TODAY, I receive compliments graciously.

See yourself through the eyes of those who love and value you today. After all, they may just be right--you may be as wonderful as they think you are!

TODAY, I cut back on my sugar intake.

Unused sugar turn to saturated fat in your body and makes you very tired, among all the other adverse effects. When you eat less sugar, you'll find you feel better, have more energy and quite possible will lose weight!