Using bet dieting to lose weight is great, but after the excitement subsides, you still have to have a viable method of shedding the pounds.  We’ll be having a look at the best methods in the next few days and weeks.  In the meantime, a few facts wouldn’t go amiss.

Forget any idea of losing ten pounds in a week and ignore adverts promoting such nonsense.  It can only be achieved by dehydration or the amputation of body parts.

Generally speaking, the faster you lose weight, the faster you’ll put it back.  A sustained weight loss of between 1 and 2 pounds per week is ideal.  It will disappoint many to learn that crash diets do not work and generally lead to weight gain at a later date that’ even harder to reverse.

Think of the future, not the moment.  If you successfully maintain a weight loss of just 1 pound per week, you’ll be at least 50 pounds lighter by this time next year!  Even in three months time you’ll be 12/13 pounds lighter!

A funky new diet endorsed by film stars is usually a gimmick.  Losing weight is down to a state of mind and an understanding of the way your own mind works.  Are you rewarding yourself?  Are you punishing yourself?  Try to think about your reasons for overeating, you may find something revealing.

Don’t believe the nonsense written about low metabolisms.  Did you know that fat people have higher metabolic rates than thin people?

It’s not down to additives and toxins.  You don’t need to spend a fortune on “detox diets”.  Unless your liver is due for a transplant, it - and other organs - will detox away quite happily until it’s time to shake off this mortal coil.  That’s not a reason to eat junk foods, a good, healthy diet is half the battle.  A moderate amount of exercise is another part of the equation.  Walking is great and possibly the best way for a couch potato to start.  You don’t have to go in for expensive gym membership fees either.  If you need an incentive, get a dog!

Next we’ll look at how to actually lose weight.