Let's face it: if it was easy to lose weight, everyone would be as thin as a twig!

But this doesn't mean that there aren't some easy tricks that will help you reach your goals.

I lost about 40 pounds in the space of a year by following these tips, and I didn't have to give up any of the food I love (I can't go a single day without chocolate, coffee, or cheese).

Tip 1: Drink Your Coffee Black

A cup of coffee loaded with milk and sugar can contain more calories than a fast food hamburger! What's worse, these aren't calories that will keep you feeling full. It was difficult, but by switching from cream and sugar to black coffee, I was able to cut out approximately 400 calories from my daily intake (you might be able to cut more or less depending on how you take your coffee, and how much you drink). Another thing to look out for are the mixed/blended drinks at the big coffee houses-- if you cut out the whipped cream from your daily java, you could find yourself losing weight without even trying!

Tip 2: Don't Deprive Yourself Of The Things You Love

I mentioned that I love cheese, chocolate, and coffee. By switching to black coffee, I didn't have to give it up completely. You can do the same thing with the foods that you love using two simple methods:

Method 1: Find Healthier Alternatives

Do you love cheese spread? Look for the low-cal version. It might not be a huge savings in calories, but every calorie counts in the long run! Do you like to snack on potato chips while you're on the computer or watching TV? Look for some other snack that will meet your craving without containing as many calories (try something baked, like pretzels).

Method 2: Control Your Portions

This is the most imporant thing to take away from this article. Have you ever looked enviously at your skinny friends as they eat junk food, and wonder why they can do it? The key is portion control. You don't have to give up the foods you love, just keep track of how much you're eating. Here are two easy tips to help you control portions:

1. Don't eat from the bag/box-- get a bowl and serve yourself a portion.
2. Don't binge-- if you're craving something, eat a little, then wait; often you'll find that your craving subsides after just a taste.

Tip 3: Figure Out How You Like To Get Active

When I started losing weight, I joined a gym. I'd drag myself there every day, and I hated it. Eventually, I stopped going. But then I started walking to a farther train stop (about 6 kilometres) every morning on my way to work-- and I loved it. Eventually this led me to a love of running.

The key to sticking to an exercise program is figuring out what you actually like to do! It's better to get a little bit of exercise every day than to launch a rigorous program that you quit after a month.

If you follow these three tricks, you'll see results. Maybe not overnight, but over the weeks, months and years. It took a long time to gain the weight, and it isn't going to fall off overnight. But by adopting a few healthy habits, you'll be able to feel better about yourself and protect your long-term health!