Although you might be tempted to try diets that promise fast weight loss, you're better off losing weight at a slow, steady pace. To ensure you're losing fat and not muscle or water, lose no more than 2 pounds a week, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, produces hormones that aid your metabolism. If yours is overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, your metabolism runs too fast, causing symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, shortness of breath and insomnia.

Start your Atkins diet journey with our comprehensive guide to Phase 1 meals. Learn how to follow the induction phase, including protein-rich breakfast ideas and healthy snack options.

To promote growth, a healthy weight and overall good health, teens need to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all the food groups, including grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. This sounds great, but getting your teen to eat right can be a challenge.

The Every-Other-Day diet was developed by University of Illinois assistant professor Dr. Krista Varady, who instructs followers to alternate days of regular meals with days of no more than 400 to 500 calories for women and 500 to 600 calories for men.

A high-protein diet can help reduce hunger so that you can control your weight more easily. Some high-protein options such as fatty meats and full-fat cheeses are unhealthy because of their high content of saturated fat, but many high-protein foods are low in fat and are nutritious. The U.S.

Peanut butter contains healthy unsaturated fats and unhealthy saturated fats, but the mere presence of bad fat does not suddenly kick it into the unhealthy camp, according to Harvard Health Publications. It's more important to look at the ratio of good to bad fats.

Toning up is not just a matter of exercising and lifting weights. A healthy diet is essential for all types of activities, including sports and strength training. Proper eating habits not only improve the quality of your workout, but they can help you shed fat to reveal the muscles underneath.

Eating healthy can fit anyone's budget, even the poor man. Sixty-two percent of shoppers think healthy foods are too expensive, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov, but replacing your unhealthy snack foods such as chips or crackers with a healthy serving of fruits or vegetables can save you 2 cents per serving.

Your child's food preferences are set early in life, according to KidsHealth. When you offer a variety of healthy foods, you can help him to develop a preference for nutrient-rich foods that will stay with him as he grows into adulthood.

The benefits of including fish in your diet outweigh the potential side effects, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. The omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids in fish oil keep cells and nerves working and lower your risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

The energy-drink buzz might make you feel as though you're torching calories at warp speed, but these beverages are no quick fix for weight loss. In reality, the best way to lose weight is to reduce caloric intake and increase physical activity -- something that no food or drink can do for you.