The Key to Success Revealed

As of this writing, I have slipped below the 250 mark, which was a huge goal for me leading into my Miami Beach vacation from March 30 to April 3.

People have been asking me constantly what I have been doing. Obviously, going to the gym on a consistent basis is a big part of it, as is watching what I eat. You also have to completely change your mindset. This is not just a simple diet — it's a change in lifestyle.

While those things I just mentioned are important, there is one constant that can not steer you wrong — water. It may sound foolish, but most of us don't drink enough...myself included. Since I started this adventure, I have been carrying around a 7-Eleven one-liter spring water bottle. I drink the entire thing every time I sit down for a meal and work out. That's four liters right there, and I also drink sporadically out of it throughout the day.

The results? First off, you will be going to the bathroom more, but that's a good thing. Your system is getting cleaned out, and my body has definitely responded better than it would if I drank soda or another loaded-with-sugar drink.

People try to make the process so complicated, but it isn't. We all know where our downfalls lie. For me, I loved soda, and I still do. It was tough to give up, but now that I haven't taken a sip of Coke, Pepsi, Sprite or any other soda in 2012, I don't even get the craving. I'd much rather take a drink of water, as nothing refreshes you like water does.

Not everyone is able to just drop drinks like I did, and I understand that. Instead of having two cans a day, go to one. Replace it with a bottle of water. Even that will make a major difference.