A fear of the extra expense or difficulty of eating healthier options often stops people from taking that first step. Regardless of the protocol you intend to follow, it's important to consult with a physician and undergo a full physical before embarking on a new exercise or diet program.

As you apply the program, track how it effects your energy levels and mood. Keep a log of your exercise and nutrition schedules to help you fine-tune the program to your particular needs. I've worked my way through a number of different plans and I've tested them rigorously on myself. Exercise is a critical part of any program for weight loss.

Working out on a regular basis makes my body crave healthier foods; there's no more unpleasant feeling than following up a great workout with a greasy hamburger. Focus on cardio, which is great for improving circulation and losing weight, and weight training, which will build lean muscle and leave you feeling stronger and better about your body. People are often tempted skip meals, but this is a huge mistake.

Regular meals, with healthy snacks in between, help maintain constant blood sugar, guarding against binge eating. You may find that by focusing on healthy, unprocessed foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and small portions of lean protein, that you can eat until you are satisfied without gaining weight. I know I have found that these foods satisfy my body for longer than processed, sugary foods that burn up quickly. I have found that the battle is won or lost in the grocery store: if you don't buy the right foods and bring them into your kitchen, then you won't eat them. Do some research on healthier alternatives.

Good fats, such as olive oil, should replace saturated fats such as shortening or butter. Making a meal plan is also very helpful - knowing what you are going to eat will help prevent you from falling back on old, less healthful favorites. Once you have made the commitment to improve your eating habits and stick to that for a while, the easier it will become. There is no magic wand that you can wave to remove fat, but if you start doing the right things and stick to them, then the results may seem magical.

Focus on the basics: healthy foods and regular exercise. If you do this consistently, then you will not only lose weight, but you will start to enjoy the exercise and your new eating habits. For me, once I became accustomed to the freshness and flavors of a healthy diet, going back to my old way of eating would leave me feeling quite unpleasant. I know that it can be frustrating to fail to achieve your weight loss goal, but you can do it by persisting with the right program. Control your body's blood sugar through proper nutrition. Combine this with regular exercise. Keep track of your program and note how it effects your body to be sure that you're doing the right thing for you.