1. Choose a diet and compared it to the nutritional recommendation of the Food Guide Pyramid

2. Mix and mingle a variety of foods from varying food groups: vegetables, protein, fruits, dairy, and whole grain foods

3. Dodge weight programs with restrictive food groups. (In example, a diet of meat only is nutritionally lacking or a diet without fat is deficient)

4. Look for diets with information on portion control

5. Diets excessive in fat are not recommended for overall health and well-being. They may promote the risk of heart disease and other medical conditions (diabetes, diverticulitus, and cancer)

6. Extra caloric intake is tantamount to taking the fat, protein or carbohydrates and storing it in the body

7. The ultimate weight loss program offers a little eating room for flexibility.

8. Diets that label foods "good" and "bad" may not be nutritiously appropriate. (In reality, forbidden foods are the one's we seek out the most.)

9. Restrictive diets lead to bingeing and weight loss abandonment

10. A regular fitness program complements any diet while improving the body

11. Since, alcoholic beverages are high in calories too. Be cognizant of how much you drink and the number of calories. Four beers can sabotage a diet as much as a slab of barbeque.

12. Certain weight loss pills, prescriptions and supplements can accelerate weight loss results. But from person-to-person, the results may vary. Consequently, supplements and other medications should never be used as the primary dieting tool to manage your weight.

13. Always consult a physician or dietitian to determine whether a prescription, dieting pill or supplement is safe enough for you to use.

14. Whatever supplement or prescription you take, be sure to use the time to develop new healthy eating and exercising habits.