No carb diets, meal skipping, and mega supplements do more harm than good, says Nutritionist Sandy Livingston, M.Ed., RD, LD/N, who creates personalized nutritional regimens for Oxygen Health & Wellness members.

"Yo-yo dieting and food fads are the biggest obstacles to maintaining a slim physique because they alter the body's natural chemistry and metabolism," says Livingston, who has specialized in weight concerns for children, teens and adults throughout her 20-year career. She also coordinates nutritional care for patients participating in studies for weight loss medications and cholesterol lowering agents. "Anyone who has tried these methods knows how disheartening, misleading and unhealthy fad diets can be. It's also a major reason why people turn to personal trainers for their diets."

If you concentrate on "eating healthy" rather than "dieting" you'll be more successful in losing weight. Focus on what you can have (or need to eat more of) rather than what you can't have and you'll be more successful in losing weight.

• Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Vitamin/mineral supplements can't provide you with more energy but they may fill in the gaps where your diet is lacking.
• Choose foods that are high in fiber. Fiber will help fill you up and curb hunger pangs.
• Check food labels for sugar content. A little bit of sugar makes your body want more.

Tim Brumm's Power Oatcakes

“Everybody who has tried them has loved them, and they're great for breakfast or for snacks.”

— Tim Brumm, Oxygen Health & Wellness Personal Trainer.

Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir until mixture has consistency of pancake batter. Coat frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Ladle several ounces of batter into pan and fry until edges are golden brown. Yields 8-10 medallion size oatcakes.

Nutritional Breakdown: Protein: 40 grams, Carbohydrates: 40 grams, Fat: 4 grams, Calories: 356