7 Tips Successful Dieters Know

Whether you want to lose a lot of weight, or you just want to slim down and tone up for bikini season, there are a few weight loss fundamentals that every diet should start with.

Here's what successful dieters know:

1. Talk to your doctor. Every diet program starts with this recommendation, but it's really more than a disclaimer. It's good advice. Get a checkup and talk to your physician about the amount of weight you want to lose as well as about any weight loss tips that she might have for you. If you feel like there might be a psychological component to your weight problem, this is a good time to mention it.

2. Start smart. When you begin your diet, make sure your cupboards and refrigerator are mostly free of fatty foods and unhealthy choices. Get off to a good start with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that you find genuinely appealing, and make sure they are in plain sight. Replace your candy dish with a bowl of brightly colored fruits.

3. Plan. Make a list of the meals you plan to eat for the week. Go to the grocery store and purchase only the items that are on your list. Make a point not to skip meals, but do eat the meals that you plan. Skipping meals will only lead to overeating later. You'll also want to make sure you eat a bit of healthy protein at each meal to keep your energy up.

4. Find an exercise you truly love. If you dislike jogging, don't promise yourself that you'll do it 5 times a week. You want something you'll stick with. Check out a few different fitness centers in town. Try out a few different classes and types of equipment. Rent some workout DVDs at the local library and see what kinds of exercise you can really commit to. Keep looking until you find at least 3 different workouts that you enjoy. That way, there's a bit of variety and enough fun that you'll engage in it joyfully at least four times a week.

5. Pack two healthy snack packs: one for the glovebox and one for your handbag. My snack packs have a variety of seeds, nuts and dried berries. The protein for the nuts gives me energy (and fills me up fast) while the dried fruit satisfies my craving for something sweet.

None of us are immune to that last minute urge to pull into a McDonalds or Dairy Queen when we're famished, and your healthy, go-anywhere snack pack will really help you fend off those fatty snack attacks.

6. Find a way to love water. You don't want the extra calories from juices and sodas. Some of us love water straight out of the tap. Others have to have some lemon and lime. Some of us need it super cold. Find a routine that works for you to stay hydrated.

7. Write down everything you eat. Some people keep simple food journals. Other people use this food diary as a way to document the positive changes they feel in their bodies, moods, and sleep schedules after eating better and exercising more.

As with the rest of the tips, the right method for you is the one that you'll stick with.