Why Wait Until Jan. 1? Start This Supersimple 6-Step Fat-Loss Plan Today

Keep tempting or trigger foods out of your home, your office drawer, your car, and your purse. Out of sight, out of mind. Avoid places that have foods you can't pass up: don't go to the coffee shop to grab a latte if you know you'll end up ordering a scone to go along with it.

Snacking between meals can ward off hunger that can make you overeat at mealtimes, but if you're snacking all day long, you're more likely to overconsume your daily calories. "Limit snacking to once a day (at most)," Carter said.

Liquid calories quickly add up — it's easy to slurp down 300 or more in minutes, not to mention all the sugar! Ditch the soda, even diet, since the artificial sweeteners will stimulate insulin levels to rise, and low levels of insulin will help you lose weight.

Also avoid all-fruit smoothies and juices; you're better off eating the actual fruit because the fibre and chewing will fill you up and make you feel more satiated. Skip the specialty coffees (with syrup and whipped cream) and sports drinks as well. Water, sparkling water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea are great calorie-free options.

Sauces can also add tons of calories, so swap out the ones made with cream, butter, cheese, nut butter, and sugar for low-calorie options instead. Salsa, hot sauce, herbs, spices, and fresh-squeezed lemons and limes add flavour without a ton of calories.

"Never miss a healthy meal twice," Carter suggested. It's OK to indulge on brunch or have a decadent dinner, but make sure the next meal is a healthy one. This will help you follow the 80/20 rule, where you eat healthy 80 percent of the time, and the other 20 percent you can enjoy the less-healthy foods you crave.