You must use your brain first if you want to lose weight. Some kind of plan is necessary whether it is your own personal plan or a well-known plan like South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, or the fat burning furnace. Motivation is the first step. You really need to have goals. For instance you might desire to lose 15 pounds in time for the summer beach season, or maybe you want to shed 10 pounds for an upcoming party.
This foundation made up of the plan, the motivation, and the goals will keep you grounded as you follow through with your program.