Here are some tips to help you not only lose weight but also keep it off and stay healthy over all...

•    Don’t skip breakfast
Your mother’s advice is coming back in this tip- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t leave home without it.  Fresh fruit in yogurt or added to a big bowl of cereal and milk, whole wheat toast and egg whites washed down with a tall glass of fruit juice (no sugar added!) are ideal for a quick and power packed start to your day. Brunch is a good way to fill up if you have a really busy day ahead.  You can always make time for a small evening snack later.

•    Sugar intake
Eating sweets in moderation is ideal.  You can switch to homemade sweets and opt for natural sweeteners like fresh fruit juices and syrups or strawberries, apples and sweet potatoes, all of which are easy to find in most countries and will satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.  If you are craving something to crunch down on, homemade granola would be a fantastic choice.

•    Healthy Alternatives
Nuts, beans and soy products are good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals and proteins.  A few almonds, walnuts and pecans with breakfast; black beans and lentils for lunch with soy milk and tofu are ideal for vegetarians.  Even non-vegetarians benefit from the added vitamins packed into each nut.

•    Fruits and vegetables
Eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.  Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, they help prevent cancer and other lifestyle diseases. Brighter and deeper color fruits and vegetables are richer in nutrients.  For a great breakfast option for kids or adults, blend together your frozen favorites (even veggies, you can’t taste them mixed in!) with a bit of milk and enjoy a low-cal smoothie.

•    Fresh juice
Invest in a juicer and squeeze some fresh fruit and vegetable juice to add years to your life.  Both your tummy and your complexion will see a boost if you stick to unprocessed snacks and drinks.

•    Soups and Broths
Clear vegetable soups in summer and delicious broth with vegetables and meat stock are an ideal way to begin your meals.  A bowl of soup or broth fills you up and you end up eating less and light.  But watch your sodium intake, processed cans of stock can be more menacing than they look.

•    Greens
Dark greens like broccoli, Chinese cabbage, mustard greens and kale are some options that will help you strengthen your respiratory system while supplying you with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K.

•    Wholesome and Low fat foods
Go for whole wheat bread and bakery products or brown rice.  A rich source of calcium, enjoy your dairy products but opt for low fat dairy products, in your cheese, milk, and yogurt.

•    Healthy cooking
Cook healthy by grilling or baking food instead of deep frying it; simply log on to the internet or pick up a recipe book to find healthy cooking alternatives for traditional and contemporary food and keep off saturated fats and red meat.  Spice up your foods with some new spices, you’ll keep yourself from being bored with new flavors and trim a few inches off your waist at once.

•    Don’t skip meals
Eat regularly and on time.  No matter how busy you are don’t skip meals.  Pack a quick bite…a brown bread sandwich or burger with a bottle of fresh fruit juice for a busy day in the office can be perfect, or even just a cheese-stick and apple slices in a pinch.

•    Sleep Well
Many of us don’t realize that lack of proper sleep may also result in weight gain.  To keep the weight off get your eight hours of sleep.  You’ll feel like you can take on the world when you’re well rested, the perfect attitude to wake up in.

•    Be Patient With Yourself
Most important, be kind to yourself…be patient and don’t push yourself too hard with diets and workouts.
Regular physical exercise is one important factor that must accompany all dietary changes.  Oodles of patience and persistence will definitely produce good results.