Let's face it. When you're trying to lose a lot of weight, sometimes it's difficult to look at a fit and toned trainer or a svelte nutritionist and take advice from them. No matter how knowledgeable they are about weight loss, it might seem like they don't "get it" because they've never walked in your shoes.

Kim Bensen, author of Finally Thin, however, speaks firmly from the been-there-done-that camp. Bensen lost 212 pounds and has kept it off for five years. Here are some of Bensen's tips:

• Get rid of all your red light foods. You know the foods that are your biggest weaknesses -- just get them out of the house so they don't tempt you. Then replace those items with green light foods such as fruits and vegetables.
  
• Gather your support. People can't read your mind, so tell friends and family how they can help you and reach out to them if you're struggling.
• Look up nutrition information ahead of time. If you're going out to eat, be sure you know what you're ordering. Benson once ordered a veggie burger which she thought was a good choice; she later learned it had a whopping 900 calories.

For more of Bensen's tips, see the full article on AOL Health. Oh, and if you need proof that fit and toned trainers really do "get it " -- just read Fitz's posts. You'll find that her weight loss advice is much more than knowledgeable ... it's also enthusiastic and compassionate.