MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - December 27, 2010) - (Family Features) As the pumpkin pie, holiday cocktail and sugar cookie memories begin to fade, we're reminded that the time has come to set or "re-set" our goals. Popular New Year's resolutions -- to lose weight and/or stay fit -- resurface with a bang year after year.

You've probably heard people say, "Those who lose weight eventually gain it back." Don't give up hope! Many people who successfully maintained a substantial weight loss for more than a year have done it on their own.

Registered dietitian Tara Gidus, also known as the Diet Diva, knows it can be a struggle to set goals and stick to them. "Prime weight loss season is upon us, and the need for realistic, achievable and tasty ways to make healthy lifestyle changes is as important as ever," said Gidus. "An exercise and healthy eating focus, along with a positive attitude and the right tools, can lead to a happier and healthier you -- a new you."

Help yourself to successfully achieve your weight loss resolution with Gidus' tips.

• Think of You. Take "me" time to rest, relax, shop or exercise for stress relief. Stress hormones have been tied to weight gain.
• Break It Down. Have an ultimate goal, and then break it into mini goals that are easily achievable. This makes the road to success seem easier and allows you to celebrate along the way.
• Flavor It. Calorie moderation doesn't have to mean boring. Use Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix to add a punch of flavor without compromising calories. It's especially great to use in dips and other game day snacks.
• Keep Track. People who keep track of what they eat can lose up to twice as much weight as people who don't. Jotting down how much you ate and how you were feeling can also help you connect food to energy and mood.
• Get Your Zzz. Snooze your way to weight loss. Getting enough sleep is critical to keep the hormones that control your appetite in check.
• Flex Your Muscles. The more muscle mass you have the more calories you burn while you are sleeping. Stay fit by doing strength training twice a week.
• Don't Multitask. Turn off distractions like the TV and computer while eating or you could lose track of how much has gone in. Tune in to your body's hunger and fullness cues to know when to eat and when to stop.

For great eating ideas using Hidden Valley products, check out these recipes, or go to www.hiddenvalley.com.

Weight Loss Profile
People who have successfully achieved long-term weight loss tend to have common characteristics:

• Eat breakfast every day
• Monitor their weight weekly
• Watch less TV (i.e. less than 10 hours/week)
• Daily exercise (i.e. 30 to 60 minutes/day)

1. Combine 1/2 packet Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix with yogurt; refrigerate.
2. Combine remaining Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix with buttermilk; refrigerate.
3. Rinse chicken and thoroughly pat dry on paper towels.
4. Combine chicken and buttermilk mixture together in a food storage zipper bag.
5. Refrigerate 6 to 24 hours.
6. Heat oven to 425°F.
7. In a food processor, combine breadcrumbs, almonds, garlic powder and pepper.
8. Coat chicken in breadcrumb mixture.
9. Set a wire rack on baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
10. Lay chicken pieces on wire rack and spray with more cooking spray.
11. Bake 16 to 18 minutes until no longer pink (internal temp at least 170°F).
12. Use yogurt mixture as a dipping sauce.

1. Combine Ranch Dips Mix, yogurt, sour cream, spinach, and walnuts.
2. Chill 30 minutes or until just before serving.
3. Serve with whole wheat crackers and raw vegetables.
*Pecans or water chestnuts can be used in place of walnuts.

1. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Immediately open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl.
2. Spray the popcorn with three sprays from the olive oil mister, toss with Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix and then toss with the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Introducing Hidden Valley Salad Kits
Just add lettuce! The makers of Hidden Valley introduce Salad Kits -- four prepackaged kits containing tasty ingredients sure to liven up everyday salads.

To learn more about new Hidden Valley products, visit www.hiddenvalley.com.