There are many facts that matter and we need to know them. In 2008, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than a third of all Americans (35.7%) are overweight or obese. Losing weight without going on a diet is what people are looking for. For the people who are serious about reaching and keeping their ideal weight can start immediately and cost no money. Here are some absolutely free tips.

First: Develop the right mind set regarding eating behavior. There is no such thing as "going on" a diet. Everyone already has a diet, and most people have a poor one. All of us inherited, yes, inherited, a poor diet. Parents teach their children how to interact socially, how to reconcile their bank statements, and how to get a quality education. However, parents rarely teach their children about attaining and maintaining their ideal weight as a part of a long, happy life.

Second: Read the labels. Become better informed about foods and beverages. Good foods and beverages are those that have no: Sugar, salt, enzymes, preservatives, artificial coloring or flavoring. This seems like a mouthful and it is. We all need to know just what we are eating. In 2010, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U. S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, issue their joint report, "Dietary Guidelines for Americans." The 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring & Related Research Act charged these two groups with the responsibility of making recommendation about what Americans should eat. The USDA, the HHS, along with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), are advocates of truth in labeling. If it is not listed on the label, then, it's not in it. On the other hand, if it is on the label, it better be in it.

Third: Begin gradually decreasing the amount of sugar. Many people began slowly curbing the amount of sugar. In the July 19, 2013, issue of the HUFFPOST Healthy Living, Dr. Mark Hyman cited the recommendation of Dr. Barry M. Popkin, Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill. Dr. Popkin has done much research, and is published widely, on the dangers of sugar-sweetened drinks. Dr. Popkin's recommendation for Americans is that everyone "still must reduce our overall consumption of sugar in order to reduce health risks and improve overall health. Dr. Hyman cited one extreme example of the sports drinks that impact the American diet. He reports that "the popular sports drinks have 17 teaspoons of sugar (and the average teenager often consumes two of these drinks a day)." Obviously, when it comes to sugar quantity does matter.

Fourth: Begin assessing portion size. When it comes to meat, the right size portion is about the thickness and size of the human hand. Meat portions should weigh about eight ounces. Vegetable and fruit portions should be about ½ cup. Every beneficial eating behavior includes fruit and vegetables.

Fifth: Begin drinking water. Americans drink too many sodas. The healthiest water is steam-distilled water. With all these people running around with some water or another or an energy drink, it's the 'in' thing to be seen with. The drink manufacturers want people to think that their beverage is the best. Kidney doctors have advised neighbors and family members that the best water for the human kidneys is steam-distilled water. Retailers sell it by the gallon. In reality, people need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. People who drink this as a matter of practice have said that drinking the right amount of water, in the recommended quantities, can help curb their appetite, too.

Americans are losing weight without going on a diet. It is a matter of having the right mind set, reading food labels, using less sugar, being careful about food portions, and drinking water. Eating behavior that's free! What an idea!