KNOW AND LOVE YOUR SHRINKING GUT.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief article

Let's say you have tried diet after diet, engaged in several exercise programs, and gone on a retreat and detox, but nothing has worked to keep weight off long term. However, your weight is not purely a numbers game, contends holistic fitness and lifestyle coach J.J. Flizanes, author of Fit 2 Love: How to Get Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually Fit to Attract the Love of Your Lite and, most recently, The Invisible Fitness Formula: 5 Secrets to Release Weight and End Body Shame.

Counting calories, footsteps, and reps is just one small fraction of the formula. The entire equation is a matter of whole health balance--digestive, hormonal, and emotional harmony all are required for a healthy, fit body. For New Years, Flizanes offers five ways to achieve lasting weight loss.

* Know and love your gut. Digestion is one of the most-important functions in our bodies, and we all have unique issues that either will hinder or contribute to weight loss and health.

* Exercise smarter, not harder. Workouts should be a focused, carefully structured exercise routine that is safe for your joints, effective in building...