Magazines, newspapers, radio, television, and now the Internet, are constantly bombarding us with advertising that promises a perfect figure in no time and without diet or exercise.
But how do you know how to choose the best diet?
Simply put, the best diet is one that allows you to reach your personal goals, motivates you along the way, and does not pose any health risks. 
Keep this advice in mind when choosing a diet:
1. Look for a plan that acknowledges your challenges and needs. It must be especially designed for you.
2. Choose a diet that keeps you in a good mood and makes you feel happy.
3. The plan goals should be achievable.
4. The diet must consist of varied and balanced menus.
5. Be wary of diets offering quick solutions.
6. Don’t believe a diet that claims you can lose weight without modifying your eating habits.
7. You must exercise to achieve muscular tone and decrease body fat. No reputable or reliable diet should claim you can achieve physical fitness without doing any physical activity.
8. The diet should not be too restrictive.
9. The diet should not be expensive.
10. Once you reach your desired weight, a diet should provide information for a maintenance plan.
11. Your diet plan should be designed and backed by nutritionists.
12. The diet should not have any unwanted side effects.
13. Consult with a registered dietitian. Make sure your diet doesn’t adversely affect your health.
14. If you have any medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, get your doctor’s authorization before going on a diet.
15. Children should not be put on special diets in most cases. Consult with your health care provider before making any radical changes in your child's diet.
16. If you sign up for a diet service, check out the customer care and support. Call the advertiser’s hotline to see how easy it is to get a hold of a company representative, and inquire about the kind of help they can provide.
17. Be wary of testimonials and “before and after” photos of people who have participated in weight-loss programs. Their experience may not have been typical. Just because one person had success with a diet or exercise equipment does not mean others will.
18. Don’t believe claims that a product can burn fat in a particular part of the body, such as the buttocks, hips or stomach. Fat loss results from healthy eating and physical activity.
19. Read the small print on advertisements. It may give information about the risks involved and what you have to do to reach your goals.
20. If you found a good plan that combines eating a variety of healthy food in moderate portions with a sensible exercise routine, you should be able to trust it.
Weight loss plans designed by a professional are recommended. If you have the opportunity, get your information from a registered dietitian.
