The reason why most people are not very successful in weight loss is that they are going in the wrong direction. Starting a diet for example means automatic starvation. But you cannot get the results you want by starving yourself. For some it is so hard to believe that you can actually lose weight by eating more. It is absurd you say. Let me explain. There are four fundamentals that should be part of everybody's weight loss plans.
1. Cardio Training - which could be walking, jogging, cycling, cardio machines, classes. It does not matter what kind of cardio exercises you do, as long as you are burning calories. Do what you like the most. Some folks get very confused about what cardio exercises should I do, how long should I exercises or what kind of calories should I burn. What matters at the end of the day is how much calories you burn, how you get there, is not that important.
2. Strength Training - Weight lifting, is the best form of strength training, and I recommend that every man and woman start a weight training program immediately. If you don't do strength training then you will lose muscle mass in the long term, when you diet. Do not be afraid of strength training. You can successfully train with barbells, dumbbells, or machines. If you have no idea how to do strength training, then go to your local gym and get advice from a personal trainer. Strength training is an excellent way to burn calories.
3. Nutrition- People don't need another diet to suffer and get tortured. The only way to successfully lose weight is changing your lifestyle. If you understand what to eat to lose weight or what to eat to gain muscle mass, then it gets much easier to lose weight. When you starve the fat with strict diets and you cut calories too low, it works initially, and you see that very gratifying initial drop on the scale. But what happens to everyone eventually gets to a plateau, because your body adapts, and your metabolism adjusts to the reduced food intake. Then your body automatically thinks you are starving and burns less calories.
4. Mental Training- If you give up the fight to lose weight before you even start, then you can not win. You have to set goals for yourself what you want to accomplish. Realistic goals of course. It is impossible to lose 9 pounds in 11 days in the long-term. If you are focused, know what you want and how to get there then the changes are you will make your goal whatever it is.
If you understand the these four basics, then you can fine-tune and start working on specific details. We are all different so there is no "one diet that fits all." There are different body types, different body structures, and there are different metabolic types. You have to balance yourself and find out what works best for you.