As the new year begins, and spring break and summer get closer, pretty much everyone has the same thoughts.

"I need to get in shape and get healthy."

I'd be lying if I said I didn't fall into this group of people. But every year I try, and every year I give up or fail.

But not this year.

I know what you're thinking. "I bet you said that last year." Correct. I did. Except I've learned a lot since then.

I learned things I wish I knew prior to many of my past failed attempts. I learned things that I'm ready to share with all of you.

1. One cheat day isn't the end of the world.

So what? You ate Taco Bell after a night of drinking or you had pizza and beer while you watched the Flyers or Eagles game. IT IS OKAY!

It's one day; don't throw away your week of hard work over one day. It's not worth it; just get back to it tomorrow.

2. Don't give up the things you love!

This is the biggest one for me. I love pizza, Chipotle, and chicken nuggets. And I learned I don't have to give them up.

But I can't eat a burrito for lunch every day, and when I do go to Chipotle a bowl is a better option. I can't eat a whole pizza, but two slices aren't the end of the world. It's all about moderation.

3. Water is your BFF.

The bigger the water bottle, the better. I suggest a straw too; it always helps me drink more.

They say you're supposed to drink half your body weight in ounces a day. It's a lot, I know, but just try and drink the most you can.

4. Find time to exercise.

Eating healthy is important, but so is exercise. Exercise is important, but so is eating healthy. Do you see what I mean? One without the other is kind of pointless.

Even if you go for a walk around your neighborhood, run on a treadmill, or do some floor exercises at home, find the time to get some activity into your day. It helps.

5. Make a schedule.

Try and plan your week out. Decide what days you want to do what, and base your schedule on the amount of time you know you'll have each day.

Knowing what you're doing before you get to the gym, home, or workout class makes it easier.

6. Rest!

This is something I struggled with. I thought I had to be at the gym seven days a week for at least an hour or I wasn't going to see any improvements.

Dedicate one day a week as your rest day. Some weeks it'll be different than others depending on what you have going on, but you need that day to just relax.

Getting healthy and in shape isn't easy for everyone. But these things can really help. They're for people like me who have fallen off the horse many times and didn't think they would be able to get back up.

You can do it, trust me.