Tips for fact: Losing weight is not an overnight miracle. Saying goodbye to 10 pounds does not vanish by a wave of some unseen magical wand or the belief of cream bluffs and lotions as potions.

It is important to mind what you eat. Do start with a balanced and flexible plan that you can use for as long as you want.

Stop the calorie count and write down what you had and the approximate quantity. If you are aware of what you eat then you would be able to come up with a plan that is just right for you.

Helping yourself with half does not equate to deprivation to the point of starvation. There is no harm in halving your intake of all pure or added fats. This means using half as much butter or spread on your bread, toast, muffins and potatoes; half the usual amount of mayonnaise or sauce on your salad; and half the oil during usage should you need to fry.

Have eggs, nuts and red meat occasionally but not every day.

The treats are does not always do the trick. Limit your sweet indulgences to three times a week. Replace them with a healthier alternative of food that have a less fat source of protein such as chicken, fish, beans, cottage cheese, or low fat yogurt.

To start things, plan at least one lunch and dinner every week without meat or cheese and start to build those meals around whole grains, vegetables and beans to increase fiber and reduce fat. Include at least two servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner.

Always eat slowly and chew till your taste the essence of the food itself and this will easily pass through your digestive process. Do not rush even if it would just be a one hour lunch or a quick break.

Lastly, You should take two servings of fruit every day. This can be for dessert or snacks. Choose fruit that is in season.

Drink water instead of carbonated drinks or alcohol. Avoid diet soda - the sweet taste only encourages you to crave sugar. Hot water with a slice of lemon can be very refreshing in the morning. Do not frown on trying to reduce the fat content in your milk products. Choose dairy products that have a lower fat content or no sugar at all.

The small and big screens have given rise to the popcorn culture. It is advisable to switch off the TV when you are eating. That includes snacks as well as meals. Studies have proved that we eat larger portions in front of the TV because we are concentrated more on the movement of what we are watching rather than on what we put in our mouth which then becomes a mechanical function that lifts food to our mouth.