For many, the word "dieting" conjures up nightmares of mouthfuls of bland salad, unstomachable weight-loss concoctions (maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and lemon, anyone?), and a growing disdain for the scale. However, dieting newbies who confuse healthy alternatives for tasteless, restrictive foods are the creators of these myths. Proper dieting can be both satisfying and rewarding, and is just the beginning of a long-term transition to a healthy body that you'll love.

Jump-starting your weight loss can give you the motivation you need to pummel through those first five or 10 pounds. Read on to find out how.

Have the Right Ratios

Image via Flickr by rick ligthelm

While different diets recommend different ratios of food groups, the USDA's updated version of the food pyramid suggests a ratio that is both healthy and can promote weight loss. The largest percentage of the pyramid emphasizes eating whole grains. The fiber in whole grains provides essential nutrients and can help keep you full, so you don't find yourself snacking throughout the day. The pyramid also recommends loading up your plate with vegetables, where you'll find important vitamins like folate. Vegetables have few calories and a lot of nutrients, so don't skimp.Dairy products are the next largest in the pyramid. If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, other dairy-like products such as nondairy milks - almond milk, hemp milk, and rice milk - and faux yogurts - like soy yogurt - are great alternatives. These products are also usually high in protein, which will help keep you full and gives you the energy you need to get through the day.Fruits are a runner-up, giving you plenty of antioxidants and providing a good low-calorie treat that can satisfy a sweet craving. Although meat and beans have the next-to-smallest portion in the pyramid's diet, the protein they provide is essential for energy and making muscle that burns fat. Go for lean, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, like USDA organic chicken breasts or legumes like chickpeas or black beans.

While different diets recommend different ratios, making sure you don't cut out any one food group is essential to staying healthy and satiated while losing weight.

Play With Supplements and Facial Wraps

Sometimes, you need more than the right foods to jump-start your weight loss. Vitamins, herbal supplements, and nutritional protein shakes are effective additions.

It Works sells a product called Greens that comes in different delicious flavors like orange and berry. These drinks can help you lose weight by providing 38 herbs and nutrients that give you lots of energy.

Greens also contain probiotics that can help improve your digestive system and give you a flatter stomach. These necessary gut bacteria that help you digest your food can be destroyed over time by antibiotics and other outside stressors.

You can also try body wraps and applicators to help shape and tone your figure. For example, WrapItRockIt is an independent distributor of facial wraps and skin care products that can be used to improve the appearance of stretch marks, cellulite, and elasticity to improve skin tone. These can be used anywhere on the body but are most commonly used on the stomach and face.

Whether you're looking to drop five pounds or 50, eating the right ratios and using supplements to jump-start your weight loss can help you be on your way to becoming your best self.