Since the 'fat-free' craze began, statistics show people in developed countries such as the USA, UK and Australia, have grown fatter and fatter! Just because a food is fat-free doesn't mean it's energy free or calorie free. If you are trying to cut out all forms of fat from your diet, you may be risking your health.

Although we've been taught to think of fat as the culprit in the battle of the bulge, clearly this is only part of the whole diet picture. Many fat-free foods are actually very high in sugar and carbohydrate calories. These calories, when eaten in excess (or more than your body requires) are simply converted into...you guessed it, fat!

Ironically, in order to burn fat and lose weight you need a certain amount of good quality fat. That's why a sensible eating plan designed to help you lose weight will contain fish and olive oil. Bad fats include trans-fatty acids or hydrogenated fat. Good fats are mono-saturated and polyunsaturated fats containing omega-3 and omega-3 fatty acids which help to lower cholesterol, improve eyesight and boost brain power.

Fad diets usually overemphasize one particular food or food type or eliminate complete food groups. They violate the first principle of good nutrition, which is to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. There are no superfoods that cause you to lose weight. No one type of food has all the nutrients you need for good health.

Fad diets also violate a second important principle of good nutrition - eating should be enjoyable. Where a diet is monotonous and boring, it's almost impossible to stay on them for long enough to lose the weight and stabilize at a healthy weight.

Losing weight is all about excellence in nutrition. When you have a balanced approach and eat wisely from all food groups you will lose the weight and enjoy the journey!