A Side Dish Called Desire:

Nothing Spells trouble for your waistline like a get-together stocked with a buffet-like setting of chip dips, cheese logs and pies, cr�me filled or otherwise. As I get older, I can't help but marvel at the sheer amount of sugary concoctions my good old mother continues to conjure up for every occasion. I know just as well as anyone else that when looking a peanut butter brownie dead-in-the-eye, a moment of reflection can help fight off any temptation.

Many of us battle against the lure of sugary, fatty and high-calorie foods everyday. While some realize that a weight loss plan is simply doomed without a lack of dedication, others may find occasional excuses to give in. You know the old adage: everything is good in proportion. Well, that may be true, but too many portions of anything can send your diet program spiraling out of control. If you want to lose fat and lose inches around your waistline, you've got to stick to the plan.
What's the plan?

Good question. If you really want to hit the weight problem in the gut--yes, this pun was intended-- you have to learn which weight loss plan is right for you. While an overwhelming amount of fad diets are out there, you should realize that diet plans like the South Beach Diet and Weight Watchers may not have the answers you're looking for, or the supervised weight loss you may need.

When It comes down to it, whether you want to lose five pounds or 30 pounds, you have to find the program that's right for you. And that doesn't mean popping those "magic" diet pills--simply put, they don't work.

When worse comes to worse, stay positive and keep the weight loss faith. The Centers for Disease Control have studies that show if a person is overweight or obese, reducing body weight by as little as 5-to-10 percent can easily improve one's health--a reward much more important than just looking in the mirror. No matter what you choose, keep a trained eye on those tempting little side dishes. If you do choose to have a bite or two, make sure not to hover around the food. Instead, keep moving in the direction towards a healthier lifestyle.