Setting aside the influences of physiological, genetic, and other aspects that are beyond one's control, one will generally succeed in losing weight and keeping it off by changing one's food choices and eating habits. A necessary part of this is limiting the consumption of certain foods, especially those containing so many weight and refined sugar.

However, in spite of having modified one's eating habits, some people may find it difficult to sustain the weight loss after a while. One possible reason is that they're not aware that quantity is not the only factor in determining the caloric value of a certain food. People sometimes have preconceived notions or have been misinformed about certain meals having either a low or a high caloric value. As a result, they eat plenty of foods that they mistakenly perceive to be healthy and low in calories.

Here's a listing of foods that should be taken in moderation:

When you have developed the habit of drinking flavored water (perhaps like a healthy alternative to soft drinks or soda pop), do not forget- they contain additives and sweeteners. It is best to drink water plain. It helps you lose weight by filling you up faster (especially if you drink a glass before a meal), causing you to eat less. Water is vital for a variety of bodily features and processes including removal of waste products, carrying nutrients, and regulating body temperature. It is normally recommended to drink about 2 to 3 quarts of water per day, but this depends on the size and activity level of the person as well as on climatic conditions.

Don't be fooled into thinking that just because it says "diet" on the label, diet drinks (as well as a lot of processed foods) are okay for the dieter. A beverage might be "zero-calorie" however the sweeteners in it are believed to trigger a craving for more sweet foods. And don't forget, the use of artificial sweeteners - including aspartame and acesulfame-K (used in Pepsi One) - continues to be suspected of possible links to different kinds of cancers.

The basic salad of fresh greens and tomatoes, with some cucumber and onion slices possibly and drizzled with a bit olive oil and balsamic vinegar, is light and nutritious. Serve it with grilled fish or chicken, and you've got a healthy and appetizing meal. But if you jazz it up with salad dressing, cheese, olives, croutons, etc., it becomes a high-fat/high-calorie meal. If you do want your salad this way, consider it as a whole meal rather than just a side dish - and do not eat it every day.

Granola is a combination of dried fruits, nut, and cereals that many people eat as a snack. There's no question about its nutritious value, containing as it does vitamins and fiber, but it does have sugar too. There's a low-calorie version which you must opt for. Granola is greatest eaten in the morning to aid give you energy for the rest of the day.