Ahhh, the array of diets that we have the option of 
selecting from. Water diets and low-protein diets and high-
protein diets. Others that emphasize no carbohydrates and 
their opposite that focus on high carbohydrates. Many 
promises of miracle weight loss abound.

The best way to evaluate each diet is by the promises it 
makes. Common sense should rule. Miracle zaps just don't 
happen except in our dreams. Dieting is truly hard work and 
one needs to be caught up in a wave of determination in 
order to succeed. Yes, it is possible to lose many pounds in
just a few days, but it isn't necessarily a healthy or kind 
thing to do to yourself in the long run. 

When a body loses a great deal of weight in a short period 
of time, it reacts in a negative way. Being clear (usually 
in writing) on how much you currently weigh, what your ideal
weight is, and what is a realistic weight to aim for is the 
beginning place. Then, accepting that losing a couple of 
pounds a day isn't the healthiest thing you can do, set a 
realistic goal. If you drop a lot of weight at once, your 
body will probably react in a negative way. Writing down 
exactly what nutrition you need each day in order to be 
healthy is important. 

Weight loss is for more than just losing pounds and wishing 
all the stretch marks would disappear. Exercise for skin 
and muscle tone is just as important as what you eat. 
Those vanished pounds leave other pounds that need to be 
rearranged, and an exercise routine is the key. Keep your 
end goal of both health and beauty and energy in mind.

Exercise is necessary but it won't replace the diet - what 
is consumed through the mouth! Many of the diet plans 
available have great proven track records. They do work. One
can also begin with a low-key diet that starts with just 
aiming at healthy foods: choosing an apple rather than a 
chocolate bar, water rather than a sugared soft drink. A 
walk around the block rather than being a couch-potato is a 
good start on a daily basis. Of course, in addition you can 
follow one of the proven diet plans. All take you in the 
same direction. 

Another simple technique for starting out is to limit the 
size of the portions that you eat. It's a great habit 
to develop and is easier than counting calories and 
carbohydrates. It's easier than having a specific meal plan.
You can also try putting your food on a smaller plate, and 
finding a substitute for desserts and seconds. Sometimes 
waiting ten minutes before choosing to have seconds is a 
powerful thing to do. The bottom line is whether or not you 
really want to lose weight. That alone will give you the 
impetus to follow your dreams. 

Amante Delpueso is the owner and webmaster of FAQ Diet, Inc., 
a leading Internet portal for diet and weigh loss information. 
For more diet information and resources, please check out:
http://www.faqdiet.com