1. Don't starve yourself. This is actual counter-productive since your body cannot run on insufficient fuel for long. In the beginning you may see some difference, but after a while your body will actual begin slowing down. It wants to reserve all the energy it can, and eating less will actually slow your metabolism. You may start to gain weight instead; your bodies way of playing it safe.
2. Start your day out right. Breakfast is the most important meal of them all. It starts your metabolism and keeps you burning calories all day long. Think about it. If you skip breakfast, and eat a late lunch, how many hours have you just wasted in your day that could have been used to burn calories? Eat breakfast; it isn't just something your mother would want you to do.
3. Eat small frequent meals. Smaller servings can help to stop over-eating and 5 small meals versus three hearty ones helps to keep your metabolism rolling along smoothly. Eat something little every 3 to 4 hours for maximum efficiency. The healthier the food, the better, also.
4. Decide how much weight you want to lose. Be realistic with your goals. You're not going to lose 30 pounds in two weeks, and if you do that's extremely unhealthy. Create a game plan, making your ideal weight the goal. And pursue it! If you're going off a plan, stick to it.
5. Drink lots of water. If 70% of your body is made from the stuff, do you think it's important? Yeah, it definitely is. Look online for the recommended intake based on factors unique to you. The standard "8 glasses a day" may be for some people, but everyone has a unique requirement. Find out what yours is to maximize your body's efficiency.
6. Avoid sugars. Plan meals around fruits and vegetables, lean meats and protein-rich foods, and rice and pasta for carbohydrates. Don't completely cut anything from your diet. Your body needs some sugars, but not the ones that come from cookies, pop, or ice cream. Stick to natural foods.
7. Be aware of your fat intake. There are good fats, and there are bad fats. The fat you find in a McDonald's hamburger is the bad kind. However, omega-3 fats are good for you heart. Don't eliminate fats; just know what the healthy kind is and which foods contain them.
8. Exercise. Do something active. Park at the back of the parking lot, take the stairs, walk your dog, jog. Be regularly active. It's more important than you might think. Physical activity reduces stress, risk of diseases, releases endorphins, and strengthens your immune system. Get moving.