So much has already been written about weight loss that there is literally a mountain of information about the subject. There is no one universal data about the best way to shed off excess fats. From crazy weight loss diets that put the solution to eating loads of cabbage or drinking lemon or grapefruit to crash diets that advocate drinking orange juice every time the stomach calls out for food, the information available to the serious dieter run from the outrageous to the downright deadly.

But one fact remains: In order to drop those unwanted pounds, you need to burn more calories than you consume. And calorie reduction can either come from reducing food intake or burning them through regular exercise. Unfortunately, this is easier written than done. Instead of making lifestyle changes through sensible eating plans and following daily workout routines, the lure of fast weight loss strategies often needlessly compounds the problem. Often, the health risks that an overweight person face-- type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and other heart diseases-- are made worse with these unhealthy diet plans that are sorely lacking in all the essential nutrients. It is not unusual to see persons on the latest diet trend collapsing at home or in the office because they didn't have the good sense to understand the basics of good nutrition as an important part of losing weight.

Diet plans that will help you shed the weight off and keep it away for life is one that fits your individual lifestyle and budget. There is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" dieting regimen. This is the main reason why many popular diets that start off strong fizzle out of the limelight just as easily as they came. They may be good for some individuals but are an utter failure in others.

So how do you know which diet plans will complement your weight loss efforts? The first criteria and perhaps the most important, is that it is composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, nuts and seeds. Well-balanced meals from these food sources ensure that your body still meets all nutritional requirements for a healthy weight loss eating regimen. While processed foods like chocolates, cakes, pastries and ice cream are definitely discouraged, a sustainable dietary regimen allows for intake of controlled portions of these so-called "all time favorites." It has been proven that any diet that is severely restrictive is bound to fail and allowing for little indulgences ensures that the dieter is able to stick with majority of the diet regimen. Besides, once a person acquires the taste for natural foods, cravings for processed stuff eventually cease.

Another criterion for a sensible diet to shed off excess pounds is that it must be affordable and easily accessible to the dieter. There is no sense following a particularly popular diet when most of the foods there are not available in your local market or grocery store. Also, prepackaged meal plans which deliver food right at your doorstep may not be viable options for you if the cost is prohibitively expensive. Finally, sensible diet plans always incorporate regular exercise into the weight loss regimen. Ditch any program that promises weight loss without including any form of physical activity.