Now that it's 2009, getting healthy should be your top priority. If you've tried and failed in years past, don't worry, because we've put together a list with five ways to get healthy this year. From a gym membership to a great diet, these five tips are sure to get serious results!

#1 Join a Gym

When it comes to getting healthy, the two key factors are diet and exercise. When it comes to choosing a gym, there are a few things to look out for. The first to consider when making a gym decision is the location, as studies show that you most likely won't go if it's over 10 minutes away. Second, check out the costs before you join. Many gyms charge an initiation fee anywhere from $50 to $250 (sometimes this can be waived, if you know someone in your family that belongs already), and monthly fees ranging from $20 to $75. Lastly, always check out the equipment condition, staffing, and overall atmosphere before you join. They usually give you a tour if you're new, but make sure to ask if they don't.

#2 Get Started on a Diet

By starting on a diet, you are not only making an investment in better-quality food, but an investment in you. First, research various diets, either by contacting a doctor or nutritionist, reading, or searching online. After you've become informed, narrow your choices and pick the specific diet that best fits your schedule and lifestyle. Second, start by making small changes to your eating habits, or else you could risk getting discouraged.

#3 Start Using Acai

The acai berry is nothing less than the world's top super food. Acai is a small purplish-black berry from Brazil that grows on palm trees. Loaded with soluble fiber, unsaturated fats, and protein, this berry is jam-packed with healthy nutrients that will keep you energized during long workouts, as well as help burn off some extra excess fat in the process. In addition, acai is loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants that promote a faster metabolism, therefore burning more calories as well.

#4 Get Serious

The number one way to get serious about getting healthy is this: write everything down. Going grocery shopping? Write down a list. Eating out? Write down what you ordered. Starting a diet? Make a list of goals and daily objectives. Studies have shown that by writing down what you want to accomplish, you'll have a much better chance of accomplishing it. Second, by writing everything down, you can prepare for the unexpected and compensate accordingly.

#5 Learn What Foods to Buy

By making the decision to get healthy, you have to realize that this entails sharp changes in the weekly grocery list. Basically, a healthy diet should consist of complex carbohydrates, lots of vegetables, and lean meat. What are complex carbohydrates? Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, are carbohydrates that take longer to process in the body, don't cause blood sugar spikes, and aren't as readily converted into fat. Vegetables are not only rich in nutrients, but also carry high levels of soluble fiber. Last, lean meats are rich in protein and low in fat.