Diet plans nowadays do not merely focus on achieving a slender body but on a healthy body as well. To get that slim and healthy body without the price tag of expensive diet programs, you can log on to the internet and find a variety of online diet plans for free.

Why an online diet plan?

This type of diet plan is usually free and is a most convenient, practical and cheap source of a healthy meal list. All you need is your computer and an internet connection to access diet plans which you can customize based on your needs.

Online diet plans gives more choices to people who may be allergic to certain types of food or who may have medical conditions which require a customized food list.

Most of the websites which offer free online diet plans have their own success stories. You can read them at your own pace and decide which online diet plan may be good for you. Some of the top online diet websites are the following:

o Ediets.com seems to be a reliable source of free online diet plans. It contains dietary articles about the latest techniques on losing weight. There are also testimonials or inspirational stories that will move you to act and not quit on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.

o Bellaonline.com is a site that houses a lot of free diet plans, as well as reasonably-priced paid plans that won't put you out of budget.

o Weightlossinternational.com has a variety of free online diet plans that cater to different dietary needs. It gives related information and inspiring stories to motivate readers.

o Southbeachdiet.com is a site that introduces a "seven-day guaranteed diet -- the south beach way". You can try their free online diet plans to learn how the program works. Its premium program, if you decide to pursue it, is however quite expensive.

When you have chosen your online diet plan, you can start your diet program with the following things in mind:

1. Do not skip meals.

Most people think that skipping meals is the best way to lose weight. It may be true that skipping meals may result in dramatic weight loss. This is, however, not a healthy way of dieting. An effective diet program is something that does not deprive you of eating and nourishing your body with the right amounts and kinds of food.

2. Never neglect your health.

Never neglect your health at the expense of starving yourself to death and popping every diet pill you can lay your hands on. Some people have a very shortsighted focus on losing weight without thinking of the long-term effects this could have on them. A different and perhaps better approach could be to remove the idea of losing weight and focus long term on maintaining a healthy lifestyle instead.

3. Don't let your lifestyle run your menu list.

Most people who have hectic schedules don't have the time to exercise or shop for healthy foods. Regular exercise and eating healthy is the basis of a healthy body and a balanced weight. You should give time to planning for a nutritious and tasty menu for the week. Cook the meals yourself to ensure that your food is low in fat and rich in the nutrients which your body needs.

4. Continue what you have started.

Most people stop exercising or following their diet plans as soon as they have achieved their desired weight. However, the best way is to keep on living a healthy, balanced lifestyle and stick to a diet plan that you can you can incorporate into your lifestyle quite easily.

5. Don't compare your diet program with other people's.

Everyone has a different response to diet plans. The diet program of a friend may not be the right ketogenic diet plan for your body structure, present physical and medical conditions. It is always best to ask for expert advice - from your doctor, health practitioner or dietitian - before you start on a diet plan or program.