Dieting tips to lose weight

Hoping to lose a few pounds in time for bathing suit season - and tired of all the hype about "miracle" weight loss cures? To help you get answers about what really works for weight loss, WebMD turned to eight noted diet and nutrition experts for their own favorite diet tips.

Here are their top 10 diet tips and tricks for weight loss success:

Expert Diet Tip No. 1: Never Go More Than 3-4 Hours Without Food.

"Fight the battle of the bulge by filling up with smaller meals featuring protein and fiber that are spaced evenly throughout the day, " says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, a nutrition consultant who has written several books on diet and nutrition.

If the mini-meal approach doesn’t appeal, plan a healthy snack between lunch and dinner so you don't get too hungry at night. "A midday snack gives you energy to finish your work day and hit the gym on your way home, " says Pamela Peeke, MD, Discovery Health TV chief medical correspondent for nutrition and fitness.

And, what makes a healthy snack? "The key is to include protein and not rely on carbs alone, like pretzels and a piece of fruit, " Peeke says.

Some good choices:

• Half a turkey wrap.
• Low-fat peanut butter on a thick multigrain cracker.
• Non-fat Greek-style yogurt with a few ounces of nuts.
• Two pieces of low-fat string cheese with a piece of fruit

Expert Diet Tip No. 2: Eat More Whole Foods.

"In general, the less processed a food is, the slower it takes to digest, and the longer it keeps you feeling satisfied and full, " says pediatrician David Ludwig, MD, author of Ending the Food Fight.