Now I know some people do have slower metabolism and may need a jump start losing weight.

Have you called your doctor to discuss your options before you jump on the latest bandwagon of diet sensations? Your doctor knows your health situation better than the peddlers of diet pills. Make an appointment with your doctor so you can discuss with him or her how much weight you need to lose, be sure you are healthy enough to start a diet, and plan a healthy diet alternative to diet pills.

Many of the benefits of having a healthy diet:

* You feel healthier*Lowers your Cholesterol

* More energy

* Be able to handle stress better

* Be able to fall asleep faster

So how do you go about starting a healthy diet? No need to worry about purchasing a diet plan or specialized foods. No need to count carbs or calories or fat grams! All you have to do is go back to the basics. So what are the basics of a healthy diet?

* Eat more fruits and vegetables and I don't mean from out of a can either. You need to eat raw fruits and vegetables in order to gain from the nutrients they offer.

* Cut out as much sugar consumption as possible. This is going to be a hard one to get use to but it's worth it, if you were to actually write down how much sugar enters your body each day you would be astonished.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day. They used to say at least 8 glasses of water a day, but now that means items like Crystal light, 100% fruit juices, coffee (yes it includes coffee but remember to that this is black coffee no sugar or creamer), herbal teas etc.

* Eat smaller meals throughout the day. The best is 6 small meals a day. You have your regular breakfast, lunch and dinner now add 3 small snacks a day. Like an apple with peanut butter for protein and a glass of water or tea.

* For a filling snack have a fruit smoothie. Blend a 8 ounce glass of 1% or skim milk with your favorite fruit, some ice and a scoop of Whey protein mix and blend.

* Have finger foods already made up for those snack attacks. For instance have celery already cut up, a bowl filled with your favorite fresh fruit. This way when you get the munchies its easier to grab something that is already prepared instead of hunting through the cupboards and running into a temptation.

* Temptation? Ok we all are going to want to eat that chocolate chip cookie or fudge brownie. Once in awhile is ok, but you will need to increase your exercise routine for that day. Better yet if you are serious about losing weight with a healthy diet, go through all your cupboards and box up all your temptations and donate them to a local food bank. This way not only are you helping yourself but someone else in the process.

This is a simple list of steps you can go through to get started on your way to losing weight with a healthy diet. I challenge you to get out a piece of paper and write down all the foods you eat this week. Write down what you add to your meals, for example: Coffee-how much sugar in each cup? How much creamer? Remember you have to add those into your diet factor. You will be amazed at how much extras you can cut out and still have a tasteful meal. Then go through your cupboards and get rid of the temptations. Write down your favorite fruits and vegetables, look for new recipes to try out, stop frying your foods, and go to the store with your new shopping list. As with any "diet" eating healthy takes time to learn.

Don't get discouraged if you fall off the plan, just get back on and keep plugging away. Soon it will be second nature to you. Have a healthy day.