The world is full of fad diets and other gimmicky weight loss items (pills, patches, supplements, exercise machines, the list goes on and on). Some of these things are completely useless and, frankly, a waste of time. But don't count all weight loss programs out because there are others with proven and consistent success. But how do you find these successful programs? By making sure the one you pick follows 3 very basic guidelines to losing weight.

Fat Loss Tip Number 1: Plan and Prepare

The beginning of your fat loss journey starts with setting goals for yourself. Make sure they are realistic and attainable within the time period you are aiming for. Here are some good questions to ask:

1. What is your goal for your physique?
2. How much weight or fat do you want to lose each month?

The key to your planning and preparations is to make them achievable otherwise disappointment and frustration are all you will feel, despite all of your efforts. To prepare, make sure to clear your house of unhealthy foods, such as soft drinks, junk foods, sweets, or in other words, anything that's highly processed.

Instead, stock your house with fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, plenty of waters, healthy snacks (preferably homemade or at least minimally processed). Vitamin and mineral supplements are not recommended unless you research the types of vitamins and minerals you may need. It's advised that you discuss your vitamin and mineral intake with your physician and/or a nutritionist.

Fat Loss Tip Number 2: Eat!

Yes, you must eat when you are trying to lose weight. I know, it doesn't sound like it will work but, believe me, it does. What you should avoid doing is skipping meals! Don't do that. It will NOT help you lose weight. It can actually prevent you from losing weight or even worse make you GAIN weight. If you skip meals or just avoid eating, you will eventually train your body into being hungry all the time so when you DO eat, you end up stuffing yourself way more than you can handle.

So instead of skipping breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can change the 3-full-meals-a-day rule into something more often: try to eat 5 to 6 small meals a day. These meals should be full of nutritious foods, not highly processed snacks. Make sure to always eat fresh, whole foods at eat of those 5 to 6 meals.

Fat Loss Tip Number 3: Exercise

Eating well and healthy is half the battle to losing weight. The other half is to exercise! This will shape and sculpt your physique more effectively than eating healthy alone (but don't forget the importance of a great nutrition plan). Exercise regularly and with a steady routine to see results.

To lose weight, the best time of day to work out is usually the mornings. Incorporate both cardio/aerobic as well as strength training exercises into your routine for the optimal results. A good cardio base will help regular your heart rate and increase your stamina, while strength training not only increases your overall strength, but it also tones your body in key fat-sensitive areas.

If you're not sure what to do when you're at the gym, or if you're looking at some of the machines like a deer in headlights, see if your gym has a free session with a personal trainer. In general, personal trainers are a great resource but make sure your personal trainer is certified and caters your workouts to YOUR goals. Trainers can and should customize your workouts for your body type and fat loss goals. If you're not so keen on hiring a personal trainer, at least use up the free session that most gyms offer to get a general idea of the types of exercises you can incorporate into your own program.

And those are it! Just three very simple, very basic fat loss tips to follow. Use these tips with any of the fat loss programs out there and you'll be sure to succeed, regardless of what directions those fat loss programs take you.