Kathryn Lively

Read the latest alternative health literature, or maybe turn on the news, and you might find a report on the benefits of acai as a natural remedy. For centuries, people of South America have enjoyed acai in drinks, as a mashed pulp topping for food, and as supplements for daily vitality. Only recently has acai come into the Western consciousness, with sources like Oprah and a handful of doctors proclaiming the wonders of this "superfood.

With the new year usually comes new promises to be fit and lose weight. So the pantry is cleared of junk, the gym membership is renewed, and those worn jogging shoes are replaced with the latest in running technology, for added spring to your step. You are determined that this is the year things are going to change for the better, and keeping that positive attitude is one way to see your goals to success.

Maybe you are already eating well. Maybe you exercise regularly. You breathe in deeply and cleanse the blood of impurities, and you look at the world in a positive way. Maybe, as a result of all these good changes, you have noticed your clothes are looser. Look in the mirror and you may see your face is thinner, more angular.

You are losing weight, steadily reaching your goal, but you are not quite where you want to be.

Every January first, we compose a laundry list of resolutions we absolutely, definitely will see to success by year's end. We will be more organized, we will eat better and lose weight, we will spend more time with our families. So many resolutions are made with good intentions, yet how many are kept by the end of the first week?

John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans.

You want to lose weight, but you just don't have the time. You work eight hours in the office, and when you get home there are too many chores waiting for you. Dinner, kids, housecleaning, and by the time everything is done it is time for bed and the new day, where everything starts all over again.

Intentions are always good, but intentions don't assist with weight loss.