Food safety is just as important as eating healthfully. If your calendar is packed with summer barbecues and potlucks, keep food safety in mind when packing up or having a backyard buffet. Food should not stand out longer than 2 hours. (On days above 85 degrees, 1 hour is the maximum.) Go to www.tasteofhome.com/Food-Safety-Tips-for-Summer for more ways to keep your foods safe.

When the weather is warm, it's even more important to stay hydrated when working out. In addition to staying hydrated throughout the day, drink 8 to 12 oz. of water 10-15 minutes before exercise. Drink 3-8 oz. of water every 15-20 minutes when exercising for less than 60 minutes and consider a sports drink instead of water if exercising for longer than 60 minutes.

If it sounds challenging to write down what you eat along with calories every day, it gets easier. As you do this more, you will become calorie-savvy; you'll know just how many calories are in a medium banana, a slice of whole wheat toast and your favorite frozen novelty. Not only will journaling become faster, but you'll also be better at estimating calories and knowing what works within your calorie budget.

"I've been dieting for two months and have been using two of the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbooks for the past few weeks and a book from another author. My family is loving the food and apparently doesn't realize that it's diet food! I've ordered another Comfort Food Diet Cookbook, which should be here by Monday."
—RhodaJayne57, Comfort Food Diet Forum