by Mario Carini

Created on: October 31, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2010

Everyone's worried about losing weight. They know that those love handles look unsightly in the mirror and those extra pounds can cut down on having a great social life. Yet, despite all the fad diet, weight loss plans, pills and clinics available, few people manage to shed the pounds and keep them off. Many read labels to try and understand the terminology on product ingredients and often spend more time in the grocery store than at work. They attempt to eat less and avoid those fattening but delectable foods. But all to no avail.

The diet is the first thing people look to when it comes to weight loss. But food alone is not the only reason why you can't lose weight. Heredity, lifestyle and the environment all play a part when it comes to gaining those extra pounds.

Still, diet is largely responsible. While you can't move from living next door to a commercial farming operation that sprays pesticides on its fields, there are some methods that can help you lose the weight and keep it off. You may not need to spend a fortune on diet pills and diet plans.

* Eat more fiber. Today's diet consists of easily digestible foods that come loaded with sugar, saturated fat and other unwholesome ingredients. Your body cannot process artificial chemicals and the additives that come with many store-bought foods. The result is that it stores those chemicals as fat. Fiber, both soluble and insoluble,  fills you up and takes longer to digest. You eat less. The best sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts.

* Drink water: Most people don't drink enough water. The body is largely composed of water. But you don't need to get thirsty to know you're dehydrated. Eight glasses a day is recommended. Before you sit down to eat, drink a glass of water. It will fill you up so you'll eat less food. Water is a great way to flush out the toxins that you regularly add to your body.

* Get exercise. Our ancestors lived active lives. They had to hunt and forage for food. Exercise of any kind, whether walking, gardening or weight lifting burns those calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. For best results, take a walk right after a meal.

* Eat properly: Most people wolf down their food. They don't take the time to chew thoroughly. Not only does that lead to weight gain, but the stomach has to work extra hard to digest it. Acid reflux, indigestion and many stomach related problems are due to not eating properly. In addition, the extra food ends up

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