When you skim through your challenge assignments each week you'll notice something: No diet recommendations. I want to take a moment to tell you why.

While I do think healthy eating plays an extremely important part in weight loss, that term "healthy eating" means different things to different people. Some people believe that you need to eat high protein meals for weight loss while others insist that low fat is the way to go. There are theories on from everything from snacking more, to snacking less; some say eating certain foods speeds up weight loss while others say to avoid those very same foods.

Confusing? It doesn't need to be. My belief is that what to eat is actually a pretty simple concept when you get right down to it. You probably already know what to do. Let me give you my five basic truths of sensible eating. I promise you, they don't require rearranging your entire life to revolve around food. If you follow these five food fundamentals during the Challenge and even after it's over, eating will become an uncomplicated, less stressful process so you'll be able to concentrate on the other aspects of a fit and healthy lifestyle.

1. Control your portions: It's not necessary to pile your plate up to the ceiling or have food spill over the sides. Eat everything in moderation. Don't feel obligated to clean your plate. Use doggie bags. A portion is equivalent to something the size of your fist, not the size of your head.