The time of the year has come for you to go on your annual diet. You are about to launch into starvation mode and are keen to burn off that excess fat. Well you are not alone. Did you realize that over 50% of Americans are overweight, with the British catching up on a daily basis, and that out of that percentage, 80% are on a diet at any one time?

Ok so 50% of the US are overweight and 80% of them are on a diet. If the diets worked you would expect that percentage to fall but it doesn't.

Right?

But it doesn't! There are still 50% of Americans overweight and this percentage is rising.

Unfortunately statistics also show that the vast majority of people who lose weight, following a diet, just put it all back on again (and often times more). So, if you are planning to lose weight and want to try a diet or weight loss plan make sure you get the basics right so you don't become another statistic!

In the technological Information Age you can find all kinds of diets and you could easily find one for everyday of the week. Due to the vast array of choices, combined with so many differing opinions, it becomes overwhelming and seems almost impossible to decide. So before you begin investigating, the best weight loss plan for you, here are a few tips to get you started.

Find an appropriate qualified specialist who is a professional in the are of health & fitness. Someone who has a great proven record at creating slim, healthy people. This does not mean someone who runs weight-watchers or "Sue" next door who lost 20 lbs. Start by contacting your doctor. Although MDs do not specialize in weight loss they are trained professionals who have a thorough knowledge of how your body functions. In additional they will, most likely be able to pass you on or recommend a specialist in this area. Watch your fat intake. Many times people launch into a diet and watch every tiny calorie they consume but fail to read the fat content on the label. Calories still count but fat is a killer as well as a big contributor to weight gain. If you reduce your fat intake this will have a dramatic effect on your overall weight-loss and your health! Keep a food diary. Health and nutrition professionals advise this as a first step in weight management. A diary of your food intake and exercise routines is a great way to analyse your eating habits. Being disciplined in this allows you to see if there are any emotional reasons, like stress for example, that are contributing to your eating patterns. Pick a few weight loss plans that you think you could stick to or (dare I say it) even enjoy. Research them and find out which has the highest PERMANENT positive gains. Look at what food is allowed and what is not. What type of fitness program and what amount of exercise is required? Do you have time to cook all those strange dishes? There is no point launching on a health quest to lose weight if you are going to get discourage at the very outset. Plan ahead. Once you've picked your diet run it past your doctor or health care professional. Many diets can be dangerous if not followed to the letter and a very low calorie diet (below the recommended level) can cause long-lasting harmful effects to your body.

Once you are set and have started your diet be sure to write all your positive gains in your diary. Do not berate yourself ever and be sure to give yourself the appropriate positive feeedback, in the form of congratulations, when you succeed and reach a goal - even if it is just one item on your list. Do not get discouraged if you don't hit your target or if you only lost 1 lb. The path is still leading you forward and you are still moving the right way. Spoil yourself a little. Buy yourself some new clothes for your new body and enjoy the fact that you have succeeded. Using this type of positive feedback reinforces your will to succeed and that means you are much more likely to continue using your plan, losing and maintaining your weight loss goals.