While it would be terrific if we could make huge life overhauls the instant the clock strikes midnight, this isn't always the case. (Shutterstock.com)

Every year, we're expected to make big, sweeping changes in our lives.

A brand, new year brings with it exciting possibilities, but so often we bite off more than we can chew, and we find that the dreams we've jotted down on our resolutions list deflate quicker than a bunch of New Year's Eve balloons once the party's over.

Surely this is no way to start off 2010, right?

While it would be terrific if we could make huge life overhauls the instant the clock strikes midnight, this isn't always the case.

Here are some bite-sized ways to start the new year off on the right track.

Got fat? Trying cheating:

In our tireless battle against the bulge, is there any reason why we tighten up while we're still waiting (and hoping!) to drop those excess pounds? No way!

Whether you're carrying around one big extra spare tire, a few wobbly jelly rolls around the middle or dreaded target zones, like the tummy, hips, thighs or rear end, there's a bod-sculpting product for it.

While some studies suggest that the average person gains between seven and 10 pounds throughout the holiday season, with the help of these quick, fat-tucking pick-me-ups, you'll look as if you never dipped into the buttery batch of short breads.

You've likely heard this famous product many times before, and that's for good reason. Spanx is a girl's best friend, shrinking bods by half a size with its sassy line of goodies, from leggings, camisoles and body shapers, all featuring liposuction results without undergoing the knife. Find them online at spanx.com and, good news gals, they ship to Canada.

Send your smokin' hot metre skyrocketing with the Desi Jeans collection, owned by Canada's own, Dish Jeans.

Okay, gals, this isn't just any old collection of denim. Think six styles all designed to instantly sculpt butts and gams with what the company cleverly calls "Lipconstruction," designed with “no bag/no sag” technology.

The lycra/polyester blend gives wearers a trimmed-up silhouette, takes up to 1.5 inches off the belly, and offers behinds a non-surgical lift with flattering cuts and well-placed back pockets. Prices range from $80-$90. Visit dishjeans.com.

Hair-apy:

Sometimes just making a small change gives us the charge we need to make bigger ones in the future. This may help explain why women are so well known for switching up their hair colour. According to a survey by Clairol, 70% of Canadian women say they feel better about themselves when they dye their hair and 63% said they look and feel more attractive after undergoing a colour boost. Meanwhile, more than half said they view the ritual as a way of pampering themselves. Whether you choose to brighten up at home or book a salon visit, giving hair a stylish makeover is one easy way to freshen up and reboot for the new year.

Date night at home:

With the holidays wrapping up and bills soon to follow, here's one date night idea that's as tempting to the belly as it is the libido.

Turn up the heat with the playful book, Wisewoman's Cookery - Food, Sex, Magic and Merriment, by Shannon Loeber and Mary Edwards, filled with aphrodisiac igniting recipe ideas, including Clove-Ginger Pleasuring Essence Recipe and Blackberry Booby Trap to Buns of Desire. With the help of these irresistibly seductive delights, your kitchen will never be hotter (just don't skip out on dessert!). Find it at wisewomanscookery.com.

Goodbye couch potato, hello freebies:

Whatever the strategy, getting healthy is a big priority for Canadian women.

According to a survey commissioned by Kellogg's, 56% of Canadian women aged 25 to 49 have resolved to get healthy and manage their weight. Oh, yes, it's easier said than done, with four out of 10 either not making it past the first week or even starting their resolutions. Just 11% stick with their resolutions for an entire year.

The company has set up a free online resource at Specialk.ca offering downloadable meal plan ideas for weight management.

Meanwhile, staring mid-January, gals can team up with diet buddies virtually when the online freebie thevictoryproject.msn.com launches, featuring advice on fashion, fitness, nutrition and beauty as well as a discussion board for members.

Fast facts:

- 69% of Canadian women aged 25 to 49 say they've dieted at some point in their lives.

- 84% of diets start on a Monday

- 59% of diets derail on a Saturday

- 7 out of 10 admit to over-indulging during the holiday season, with 59% saying they put on extra pounds.

(Kellogg's Special K survey conducted by Ipsos Reid)

Get heart-healthy tips sent to your phone or email with an initiative called Heartbeats, created by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. By signing up at thehearttruth.ca, members will receive weekly lifestyle tips throughout the year to help boost health and fitness levels.

Fans of the fat-fighting Slice series, XWeighted, can soon you can join in on the challenge.

Folks across Canada are invited to log on to XWeighted.com before Jan. 9 to participate in a free six-month weight loss challenge.

Public "weigh-ins" and free health assessments are happening at fitness centres in seven cities across the country.

After getting weighed in, the website serves as an online community centre, offering participants a 26-week diet and exercise guide, with the help of video demonstrations and online support.

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