If only. If only I started that serious diet six months ago. If only I went to the gym three times every week as I promised myself I would. If only the prom wasn't just a few weeks away! Ah, too bad our bodies don't give us partial credit for our good intentions. The date is approaching and those extra few pounds you swore would not accompany you into the limo are still hanging around. If you have the habit of checking on every new diet that comes along, you will find that somehow they all blur together, leaving you with only one definite piece of information—french fries! We don't recommend that you initiate any drastic behavioral changes at this late date, but what follows is some tried and true prom advice that might help you feel more in control. While not new news, all this prom advice is safe and healthy and who knows, if followed, might result in a more pleasing image facing you in the mirror on prom night.

Don't expect major changes too quickly. If you want to run a marathon, you don't begin by running 26 miles. Healthy eating is all about making the right decisions. It is not about denying yourself everything you enjoy.

Prom advice

Be realistic. Losing one to two pounds a week is doable, any more is pushing it. Write down what you eat. Eat a small amount of real food rather than overdosing on a whole box of fake, low-fat food. If you drink a lot of juices, keep in mind that although they are healthy, they contain a lot of calories. Drinking an entire quart could negate the positive effects of any workout.

Prom advice

Eat 4–6 smaller meals, rather than three larger ones. Or try eating half of what's on your plate. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. People sometimes think they're hungry when they're dehydrated. Water helps speed up your metabolism. Add more fiber to your diet with your water. Look for foods with low-calorie density but with lots of volume like fruits and grains. Try not to eat after dinner. Cut down on portions of potatoes, pasta, rice and bread. Even a little exercise can do you good.

Prom advice

If you only have fifteen minutes, don't blow it off. Exercise is cumulative and you can build it all day. Mix up your workout. Don't overdo it or you'll lose interest. Find an exercise routine that you really enjoy, otherwise you'll get bored and drop it. Keep a log of what you do at the gym. Use common sense. Exercise and nutrition are the best ways to lose weight, not cabbage diets and three hour of crunches every day.

The prom is a celebration of achievement (you survived high school!) and friendship, and will forever be a milestone embedded in your memory. Your dad will still get teary, your mom will still be furiously taking pictures, your date will still think you're a knockout, regardless of a few pounds.