We can't talk about living a healthy lifestyle without addressing diets. Many of us are overweight. I for one have tried a number of different diets and have to say that not all of them are budget friendly. This week, let's discuss what to look for when looking for a budget friendly diet.

First of all, be wary of diets that require you to buy food from the company. Sure, people do lose weight on these diets, but it's probably because they can't afford to buy any additional food. This does ensure that you'll stay on the plan, but do you really want to be confined to a plan that much? More importantly, there may be times when your budget simply will not allow for these expensive foods.

Special memberships are another thing to look out for. If you have to pay to get the information for a diet, it's not budget friendly. There are exceptions to the rule though. For example, you can find all the information you need for the Weight Watchers diet for free. All you have to do is search the internet.

Dieters should also avoid diets that are too complicated. If a diet is complicated, chances are that any money you spend might go to waste. This is because that diets that are complicated usually fail. Take it from me. If the diet is too time consuming and requires too much from the dieter, you'll find yourself quickly breaking the complicated rules.

So, what does work? Plain and simple, I've found two plans that work and are budget friendly. The first plan is to simply count calories. This plan doesn't require you to eat any certain foods, which means that it's inexpensive. Plus, it's straight forward. You determine the amount of calories needed to lose weight and then stay within that range.

The easiest diet I've ever found though, that's budget friendly, is to simply make good choices. We all know what's good and what's bad for our bodies. With further research, we can even find the healthiest foods that also promote weight loss. That's really all it takes.

Fitness gurus and healthy eating fanatics are always raving about the importance of downsizing portion sizes and why it's important to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. If you want to lose weight and keep up with your weekly fitness routine, eating mini meals really is the way to go. Small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will keep your energy levels up because your blood sugar remains stable. This means you don't experience 'highs and lows' just from eating different foods, and you can actually get through your day without getting too hungry.

The best way to keep up with this habit? Pack a day's worth of food in a lunch tote and carry it around with you. This reduces the risk that you'll overeat at the next meal, and also prevents you from making an unnecessary trip to the nearest fast food pit stop or clearing out the vending machine.

Some of the best foods you can pack include whole grain crackers, lean meats, low-fat cheese sticks, yogurt and meal replacement bars. If you plan to eat a complete meal at the office, make sure it's a well-balanced one. For most people working in an office, staying focused is a priority; you can avoid the late-afternoon slump by making sure the center of your meal is high in protein. Grilled, skinless chicken breasts, grilled salmon, or even tofu will fill you up fast and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

If you're planning to hit the gym before heading home after work, you will need to pack a few extra foods to make it through your workout. Eat a high-protein snack right before the workout to maximize the calorie and fat-burning potential of your routine. Make sure you drink plenty of water during and after your workout, and eat a combination of protein and carbs to refuel and restore your energy levels.

For the final meal of the day, go light; a lean protein for dinner coupled with a large salad is the ideal menu item at the end of the day. If you're craving something a little heartier, stick with smaller portions so you can enjoy your favorite meal without the guilt!

Making New Year's resolutions to get fit and healthy is easy, but carrying out those plans is the hardest part of fitness conundrum.

Is rolling out of bed at 7 a.m. for the gym trek really worth it? Won't that extra donut get burned off from the stressful day at work? Why isn't chocolate calorie-free? These are all common questions of the once-motivated fitness enthusiast who has unknowingly fallen off the wagon.

However, there are plenty of ways to jump back onto the health train and make some fitness habits that stick; here's what you need to make getting and staying in shape a priority:

Keep a Journal or Log
Researchers say jotting down your fitness conquests is the best way to stay motivated and right on track with your health goals. Pick up a snazzy journal and fill it up with all the healthy activities you've accomplished over the course of the day.

Pack the Gym Bag the Night Before
One of the easiest excuses for skipping the gym is you ran out of time. Plan ahead by packing your gear in a stylish bag so you can hit the road in a flash. Check off shoes, shorts, tees and other gear from your to-do list for the early a.m. trek so you can focus on just getting to the gym right after you wake up.

Do the Right Workouts
If you're dreading the gym because you detest the workouts, find an activity that you truly enjoy. If running isn't your thing, stop! Work with a personal trainer to narrow down your field of choices to pick out some activities that you actually look forward to. You'll be much more motivated to tackle the physical challenge when you're having fun with it.

Pack a Lunch
Avoid the temptation to overeat on unhealthy food or dine out for a mega-calorie lunch by preparing your own food. Grab a lunch bag and stock up on healthy meals and snacks to keep your energy level soaring throughout the day.

Get a Friend Involved
Find someone who can hold you accountable to your commitment to get healthy and fit. Working out with a workout buddy or talking to someone setting similar fitness goals can keep you motivated and on track on even the most challenging days.