Every time one  picks up a magazine one is sure to see a diet on the front cover for weight loss that allegedly works. On the same said cover you will also see a delicious cake or cookies or some other goodie - talk about temptations.

Certain diets and weight loss programs work for certain people and everyone's weight loss is different depending on their metabolism. We should not forget that for a diet to work one must cut back on the amount consumed and exercise to burn the extra fat our bodies have stored for a rainy day.

We can all go on diets and diet ourselves to 250 pounds if we are not careful. That's where a good scale comes into the picture, weigh yourself first thing in the morning and only once a week. You should also take your measurements, around your bust, waist, hips, upper arm, and thigh, mark them down to see the progress you have made from week to week.

Start to exercise and if your scale is telling you that you have gained some weight when you thought that you should have lost, do not despair, more likely you have not gained weight but built muscle instead which is normal or retained some fluids.

Your measurements tell the truth and your clothes will not lie for you either. Remember clothes are the best way of telling you if you have gained or lost weight.

But why go on a diet in the first place? If we eat the four food groups to stay healthy: protein, dairy products, vegetables and fiber, and only eat until one is satisfied then a diet should not be necessary.

The food will not run away, it will be there for the next meal. It is better to eat 5 more small meals a day than 3 large meals, and of course drink plenty of water. The recommended amount of water is 8 x 8 ounce glasses per day.

Suppose you love cheese cake or chocolate: have it but only enough to satisfy you - not more. There really are no taboos if one eats properly. Always remember eat just until one is satisfied.

Before having the next small meal be hungry, don't think that eating 4 small meals per day will do the trick if one eats when one is not hungry. Hunger is a way of our bodies telling us that it needs more nourishment to keep it going.

After a couple months when you see you have lost weight, treat yourself to a new dress or slacks or blouse as a reward for losing some weight.

"Nothing feels as good as thin looks", my sister and daughter say all the time. I agree. One feels good, looks good, and is very energetic when our body does not have to carry around an extra 30 plus pounds every day.