Maximize your efforts by increasing your speed and intensity for 30 to 60-second intervals during your workout. The ideal amount of water is eight 8-ounce glasses daily, but if you drink water with meals and whenever you're thirsty, it's good enough -- especially when you eat foods that contain water, like soups and fruit. Boost those benefits by drinking a glass before you eat - it'll help you consume less food. Portion control is key to weight loss, but instead of measuring every single thing that goes in your mouth, experts say it's OK just to measure grains, like pasta, and fats only. These foods add more calories than foods that are OK to load up on, like water-packed fruits and veggies. Just remember - perfection is impossible, but making sensible choices isn't.