by David Moreno

Created on: September 16, 2008

The word "diet" is such a misnomer.

The truth is that so-called diets-a specific program or off-the-shelf product that promises the consumer will shed pounds immediately and for good-simply don't work. But to those in the know, the literal definition of the word "diet" means consuming healthy foods on a daily basis in order lose or maintain weight.

This is what I have been doing for since 2006. My diet consists of low-fat foods and eating in moderation. As for my weight loss program, it is not a fad diet but rather a lifestyle change that I have dedicated myself to.

Not once since I started my weight loss program in 2006 did I consider a low-carb "diet" because I wasn't willing to sacrifice some of the foods I love such as breads and pastas to eat in order to lose weight. That's just downright silly.

Do I sound a bit selfish? Well, chew on this.

I have, however, given up a lot of things in my quest to lose weight, most of them foods high in fat. For example, I gave up Chinese food, or at least eating a two-item combo with cream cheese wontons. I also gave up milk, sodas, and red meat in exchange for rice- or almond-based drinks, green tea, and chicken, all of which are low in fat. As you can see, sacrifice does indeed play a large role in losing weight and, more importantly, keeping it off.

But no matter which side of this debate you are on, the one constant that everybody should consider is exercise. There is simply no getting around it-exercise is paramount. The pounds will not lose themselves so if you want to lose the weight, you should not only be prepared to sacrifice, but also get your butt busy.

Although it sounds cliche, walking is still one of the easiest ways to drop pounds. Unless you can't walk, there is simply no excuse for anybody not to get out there and do it. It's free, easy, and requires only the willingness to do it.

This leads to another aspect of weight loss. Many people cannot find the ambition to start their program. They usually start off like gangbusters during the first few weeks and go back to their old eating habits shortly afterwards since their so-called "diet" is making them starve themselves. If you want to lose the weight, you have to get mad and be serious about it.

Remember that moderation is key and slow and steady always wins the race. While I chose to eat foods low in fat content, that does not mean I strictly adhere to such foods. There are days when I have chosen to eat a hamburger, not two or three like I did when I weight nearly 300 lbs. It's true-you can eat the foods you love while losing weight, just not an excessive quantity of them.

I am not on a so-called diet, but rather I am following a healthy diet of low-fat foods that combined with a regular exercise plan, has helped me shed nearly 100 lbs. in just over 2 years. I am living, breathing proof that with some dedication, hard work and proper choices when dining out, successful weight loss can be achieved and maintained by consuming low-fat foods.

In short, what most people consider "diets" do not work. A lifestyle change that consists of healthy foods and a regular exercise program will yield the best results.

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