I'm trying to tone up for a beach party on Fourth of July Weekend. In addition to doing cardio, which are the best supplements on the market, in your opinion, for fat loss? I'm not interested in "fad supplements" but only supplements which really work. —John

When it comes to losing weight and fat loss, there are several supplements worth your consideration:

Chromium Picolinate helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Stable blood glucose levels will help keep you from entering "fat storing" or "starvation" mode.

L-Carnitine, an amino acid, L-Carnitine helps to lower tryglycerides and has been shown to help mobilize brown fat tissue. This should be taken between (not with) meals.

Hoodia — this natural herb is made from cactus, and is the primary ingredient of Anna Nicole's "Trim Spa" and works by curbing cravings between meals and hunger pangs. Some people say it also improves their energy levels.

L-Glutamine — this amino acid helps to preserve lean muscle mass AND reduce cravings for sugar. It should be taken between meals.

Garcinia Cambogia — this herb helps your body to synthesize fatty acids. It also lowers your bad (LDL) cholesterol. Some studies show that this may help to control obesity and prevent the conversion of carbs to fat. A popular brand of garcinia cambogia is Citrimax.

Remember, no supplement is a Holy Grail. Used by themselves, supplements will not produce great results. But when used intelligently in concert with a regular exercise regimen and a clean diet, these supplements may prove useful to you as you work to shed those extra pounds.