Want to lose weight effortlessly but healthily? It's easy to lose weight with these easy diet tips. Pay close attention to what you eat and drink, but no need to make dramatic sacrifices! Just follow these simple guidelines to start your weight loss program or give your diet a boost when it seems to have stuttered to a halt.

1. Keep a food diary. Make a note of everything that you eat and drink. You do not need to count calories. Just write down what it was that you had and the approximate quantity. You will find that being more aware of what you are eating helps you to plan healthy meals and snacks.

2. Halve your intake of all pure or added fats. This means using half as much butter or spread on your bread, toast, muffins and potatoes. Reduce the fat content in your milk products. If you are currently drinking whole milk, reduce to 2% fat. From 2% reduce to 1%.

3. Limit treats containing sugar to three times per week. This includes chocolate, ice cream, desserts, cake, pastries, cookies, etc.

4. Include a lower fat source of protein at most meals: chicken, fish, beans, cottage cheese, or low fat yogurt. Have eggs, nuts and red meat occasionally but not every day.

5. Plan at least one lunch and dinner every week without meat or cheese. Build those meals around whole grains, vegetables and beans to increase fibre and reduce fat.

6. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Plan your shopping too - make a list of what you need and stick to it. If you just grab something when you are feeling hungry, you will probably choose high calorie food.

7. Include at least two servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner. If you are getting hungry, have more. Have at least two servings of fruit every day. This can be for dessert or snacks. Choose fruit that is in season.

8. Drink water instead of sodas, juices, milky drinks or alcohol. Avoid diet soda - the sweet taste only encourages you to crave sugar. Hot water with a slice of lemon can be very refreshing in the morning.

9. Use whole grains wherever possible. The fibre will give you a fuller feeling and also help your digestion.

10. Eat slowly. The body is slow to register when you are full and it is easy to eat too much if you are racing through your meals. Choose food that you must chew. Again this will increase your fibre intake, and the act of chewing will make you feel more satisfied too. This means eating fruit instead of drinking juice. If you have soup, make sure it is chunky.

Making gradual changes is easier for both your mind and your body to accept and get used to. If you follow these easy weight loss diet tips you will not feel deprived, and you may even find that is all you need to do to reach your target weight.