There are plenty of diet plans. Check any magazine to see the latest and greatest diet plans. But how do you know if a diet plan fits your needs?

Ask yourself these questions about any diet plan you're thinking of trying:

• Does it include foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins and nuts?
• Does it include foods you like? Does it include foods that you would enjoy eating for a lifetime, not just for weeks or months?
• Can you easily find these foods in your local grocery store?
• Will you be able to eat your favorite foods? Better yet, will you be able to eat all foods, even if some are in small amounts?
• Does it fit your life and budget?
• Does it have the amounts of nutrients and calories you need to lose weight safely?
• Is regular physical activity part of the plan?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, keep looking. There are better diet plans out there for you.