The only number greater than the number of pounds that need to be lost in America is the number of diets and diet plans available. It is hard to know at first glance what is a viable plan and what isn't.

If you have been a life-long dieter, you know that the fad diets come and go, often to resurface again years later. If you have tried a majority of these diets, you have lost 15 pounds and gained 20 back, following a typical yo-yo weight loss and gain cycle. In the end, you have ended up heavier than before and very frustrated.

The majority of people who lose weight and kept it off, do so by following a lower fat diet, adding exercise and eating less calories. There is no miracle pill or food combination that will magically take the weight off.

There are temporary fixes and quick weight loss plans. Most notable are quick loss diets that allow you to eat only a limited number of foods. You will probably lose weight on them just because you get sick and tired of eating the same foods day after day. Really, how much grapefruit or cabbage soup can you eat for an extended period of time? Sadly, most people do lose weight, then return to their typical lifestyle and regain even more weight. In the long run, to lose weight and keep it off, you need to change your lifestyle to include healthy foods, reduce calories and increase your exercise or physical activity.

There are some good plans and diets available on online or on a local. Pick and choose carefully.

There is not any one diet that is perfect for everyone. You should choose a plan that fits you. That way, you will be able to live with the program while losing weight and then adapt to an healthy weight maintenance program that you can live with for a lifetime.

Just remember that if you diet and do not exercise, you will lose muscle along with the fat. When you lose muscle, you lower your metabolism. If you do that, it really defeats the your whole program.