Are you one of the thousands of people out there wondering what the real secrets of eating right are? With so many fad diets and gimmicks available on the TV and in the media today, it's hard to sort out fact from fiction.

You can choose a diet geared toward weight loss that is simple and easy to follow, and you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on supplements to do it.

How do you know how to eat smart?

FOOD COMBINING

I'm not talking about complex strategies of mixing A foods with B foods here. What you really need to focus on to lose weight in ensuring that you always combine protein, carbohydrates and fats during meals.

No matter what meal you are eating, it is important that you eat a small portion of protein, fat and carbohydrate at each sitting. If you eat a meal that is simply one or the other, such as a plate of pasta with no protein, you are only partially supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to function. You are also only partially fueling your metabolism, which needs proper fuel in order to burn fat.

If you are consistently feeling sluggish and lackluster during the day, consider adjusting your dietary intake and ensure that you are consuming at least one food that contains each of these important nutrients.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER

Believe it or not, drinking more water will help you lose weight. Most people walk around in a state of semi-dehydration. In fact, if you feel thirsty chances are you are not drinking enough water. Your body needs water to flush out toxins and process fats. Drink too little water and your body will be 'tricked' into thinking its hungry too, and you're likely to eat more than you would if you were properly hydrated.

If you're not drinking 8 10 oz glasses of water every day, you're not drinking enough and you may be sabotaging your weight loss. Remember that your body is partially made up of water, and it needs water to function efficiently and burn calories.

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

Vitamins and minerals are important to healthy metabolic functioning. Vitamin C and the B vitamins also help your metabolism function effectively and efficiently. Consider supplementing if you are not getting an adequate supply in your diet. Studies also suggest that intense stress and environmental pollutants may negatively impact your energy level, inhibiting your ability to workout efficiently. The B vitamins in particular are well known for combating stress and providing energy.

EAT SMART

I can't emphasize enough the importance of eating clean. The best thing you can do to lose weight and keep your metabolism running efficiently is to eat several small meals per day. By eating five to six smaller but highly nutritious meals every day, you'll provide your body with an ongoing supply of essential nutrients and energy. Your metabolism will be constantly at work, burning calories and fat. You need to eat often because your body also requires constant energy during the day.

Also remember to avoid processed foods and high sugar products throughout the day. By simply cutting out excess sugars and avoiding the bread basket at dinner, you'll shed pounds more efficiently and swiftly.

Losing weight doesn't have to be a challenge, for the most part it is common sense. Eat clean, eat smart and lose weight!