Ah, the joys of the New Year: The snow is falling, prices are dropping, everything seems to be waning, except the numbers on the scale. All of which means it’s time for me to get my act together. Herewith, my five-step manifesto to self, otherwise known as “Eliana’s Guide for Slimming Down and Staying That Way.” Join me on my get-fit quest, ladies, and I’ll race you to the hot lifeguard’s stand in May!

1. I won’t conflate a dessert table with a desert island or scarf down late-night diner food like a latter-day Elvis with tapeworm. There’ll be more food tomorrow.
2. Even when my mom calls me “terminally single,” I won’t drink my weight in alcohol. My liver (and my gay best friend, who, after ten cocktails, I occasionally mistake for my date) will thank me.
3. I’ll remember that soup solves everything. Instead of hot cocoa, I’ll make healthy, low-calorie broths du jour with veggies (no butter or cream).
4. I’ll augment my workout schedule with an activity I can do at home while watching TV: 75 sit-ups and push-ups every night, at least until the snow melts.
5. Since added layers hide extra pounds, I’ll occasionally try on a summer outfit that makes me look gorgeous, just to keep my body image realistic. —Eliana Meirowitz

Photo credit: Bruce Livingstone