It's time for 2013 New Years Resolutions to take effect, and losing inches from the waistline is a popular resolution. Here are some tips on how to lose weight effectively, while staying healthy and improving energy:

1. Eat a variety of foods.

Many diets skew the food pyramid too much to one side or another. The Atkins diet is very protein-heavy, and you should be monitored by a doctor as you progress. Other low-carb diets have come into fashion recently following Atkins. However, a good diet should be balanced in order to give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

This seems to go without saying. But despite its common sense, many people prefer to go with fad diets rather than this simple advice. Apples are especially helpful, since they pack a lot of volume (and water) with low calorie density. Any fruits and vegetables will help to fill up your stomach, though, and help you to eat less of other more calorie-dense foods.

Public health researchers at UK's University of Warwick recommend eating 7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day for optimum "happiness and mental health."

One method of doing this is to eat some fruit before a meal. You can also incorporate more vegetables into your meals, making them less fatty and more heart-healthy.

3. Run!

Another no-brainer is to exercise more. Running is one of the best methods of getting your body into shape, and requires no equipment (except shoes). Studies have shown that exercise that raises your heartbeats is most effective overall in improving health and preventing an early death.

Couch to 5k is an innovative program to help you get off the couch. It starts with a few small steps and gradually brings you up to a 5k run. The simplicity of it belies its effectiveness. Amanda Simpson, from the blog "What We're Eating" has used it as part of a diet regimen to slim down.

Slimming down should help you become more healthy. Enjoy these tips for making 2013 a slimmer and healthier new year!