While genetics certainly plays a part on being slim, most people who lose weight and keep it off do so because of a set of healthy habits they have instinctively taken on. There are no magic answers to weight loss, but there are five principles that can make the process much easier.

Don't Diet

Forget about restrictions or rules when it comes to foods. There are no “bad foods," only bad habits. This means all foods can be enjoyed as long as you keep high calorie foods as items you consume once in a while, rather than daily. Eat your broccoli, but also try new food choices as often as possible. If you keep it interesting, you're more likely to stick to a healthy regimen.

Bestselling author and eDiets.com Master Motivator Julia Havey believes the secret lies on taking baby steps. "When shopping for groceries, don't buy if you shouldn't eat it! Don't fall for the 'but the kids need it' trap! Who really ends up eating the junk? YOU!" So don't buy it and don't set yourself up for failure.

To get into the habit of eating better, compare food labels and don’t make processed foods the basis for your diet. Always keep something healthy on hand like nuts, fruit or low-fat yogurt for when hunger strikes. Avoid fad diets at all costs. If they actually do work, they won’t work for long.

Eat Only for the Right Reasons

One of the most important healthy habits you can adopt is being sensitive to your feelings throughout the day. Work on becoming a mindful eater and on not being susceptible to eating as a result of emotional triggers such as boredom, stress or restlessness.

According to Arthur Agatston, MD, the Miami cardiologist and bestselling author of The South Beach Diet, people who are naturally slim follow a regular eating schedule and they don’t habitually skip meals. "They eat when they are hungry, stop when they feel satisfied, and do not misuse food to ease boredom or emotional upset." Slim people have an innate sense of portion control, and they eat slowly, expecting to be satisfied by one serving.

If you need help, try placingalarge sign on your refrigerator which states, 'Is this in my best interest?' If your answer is 'No', then ask 'What is in my best interest right now?' and do it!

Shake It

Health expert and registered dietitian Sandra Marin, M.P.H., recommends parking your car far away from your building and walking briskly throughout your day. Or make sure you take the stairs all the time unless you are carrying heavy items. "It’s never all or nothing, everything in life is negotiable, including exercise. If you work on the 12^th floor, this doesn’t mean you need to take 12 flights of stairs, perhaps take the stairs to the 3^rd floor and then get in the elevator." Learn to love exercise and all physical activities. If you don't like walking, try riding a bike, dancing, or cutting the grass. The key is to keep your body moving.

Make a Commitment to Yourself"People who stay looking slim and trim have a common trait... discipline," says Thomas Appell, an expert in safe weight loss and the author of Never Get Another Cold. If self-control is not one of your fortes, trick yourself into doing the right thing. How? Start by making a deal with yourself. If you do things right, reward yourself; if you cheat, hold yourself accountable. When it comes down to it, ultimately YOU are the only one who can make things happen for you.

Above all, accept the facts

There’s no magic involved in getting your body to liberate stored fat. You must change the way you live and the way you eat. In other words, exercise your body and monitor your intake of food.