If you’re tired of trying this diet program and then that one, stop and take time to learn the lbasics on what diet, nutrition and weight loss are all about.

You can start your education with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) website: http://www.mypyramid.gov. You’ll want to check out the USDA Food Guide Pyramid and their physical activity level assessment tool. These two guides can give you a pretty clear picture of where you are right now.

The Food Pyramid is basic outline of the foods you should eat every day and is based on the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It will show you that your diet needs to be varied - there are many different food groups that you should be eating for your body to get the necessary calories and nutrients it needs to be healthy.

The physical assessment tool will give you an idea of how much activity you should have in your day. It might be more than you think.

Once you’ve done your research and have a plan, go ahead and get started. You’ll feel better right away.