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The simplest common sense guideline when it comes to weight loss is "calories in, calories out." In other words, the most effective way to lose weight is to take in fewer calories than you expend. However, there needs to be a balance: if you take in too few calories, you're going to set yourself up for "starvation mode" where your body holds on to stored fat - something that is counterproductive.

In order to ensure that you are approaching weight loss in a healthy way, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Build the muscle. Simply put, when you build muscle, your metabolism increases. Even if your goal is simply to "get toned," adding weight lifting to your fitness plan will help you to achieve your weight loss goals.

2. Make sure that the weight loss goals that you set are realistic. Starting in March and believing that you can drop 50 pounds before summer is going to set you up for failure. Plan on losing a pound or two a week simply by implementing changes that you can keep up. A bit more exercise, an increase in vegetables and fruits while losing fast food: these are changes that can pay off over the long term.

3. Recognize and focus on the health benefits of weight loss rather than on the vanity aspects. While it's true that your self-esteem may improve and others may compliment the way that you look, losing weight should be about reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other debilitating health conditions.

4. Focus on doing more, not on losing more. Rather than focusing on the number on the scale (which, to some extent you can control), focus your attention on what you will do to reach your goals. In other words, focus on how much or when you will exercise or on planning lunches to take with you to work so that you're less tempted to grab something quick.

5. Look at the big picture. If you haven't been out exercising much, don't expect that you'll be able to go out and run 5 miles on your first day of working out. Measure your success in smaller increments, ad focus on building those up. Small changes will add up over time.

6. Remember that there is no magic pill or plan. When it comes to diet plans, some people will find that Weight Watchers works for them, others will find that good old diet and exercise is all that they need to pay attention to. Weight loss pills and shakes are only a short term solution - and there are often risks associated with them.

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