Extra-slim "Extra" TV show host Maria Menounos doesn't look as though she ever had fat loss problem. However she's revealing that they lost 40 pounds by combining a walking regime with a sugar-free, low carb diet, reported Life & Style magazine on Friday.

Maria admits that she tried lots of dietary fads. Then she decided to develop her very own approach to weight reduction, which she details in her new book "The EveryGirl's Guide to Weight loss: The way i Lost 40 lbs and Kept It Off-And The best way to Too."

The food element of her slimming program includes the basics of Mediterranean-style eating using the precepts of low-carb weight loss. Now Maria keeps from the weight by limiting herself to one "bad" carbohydrate a day.

To keep fit, Maria walks no less than 10,000 steps a day. She utilizes a pedometer to ensure that she meets her goal. Maria's tip: Exercising throughout the day by moving keeps your metabolism functioning at its peak.

"Ninety-five percent of the time I recieve that, Five percent of times I don't, and often I even exceed it wildly. I feel should you keep your steps you can keep your weight," said Maria within an interview with Shape magazine.

Maria estimates that 75 percent of her weight loss program is what she calls "clean eating." She doesn't approve of drinking diet sodas or using energy drinks.

While her new book focuses on weight reduction, Maria previously authored an all-in-one fashion/romance/fitness book "The EveryGirl's Help guide to Life." She notes that they decided to write her follow-up because she wanted to share the many diet secrets she's gotten from both superstars and health experts she's interviewed.

And for those who feel that you can't really stay with a weight loss plan, Maria offers encouragement: "Strive to follow along with the 75/25 plan. Over time, you'll have a cleaner diet overall."

Agreeing with her theory that moderation is most effective is Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN, and author of "The Small Change Diet: 10 Steps to some Thinner, Healthier You." In an exclusive interview, Keri told me that they believes in eating clean instead of excluding food groups.

"In order for long-term weight reduction a diet cannot be restrictive," she said. ""I am keen on including lean protein, lots of veggies and healthy fat for weight loss, but am equally keen on fruit, dairy and 100% whole grains."

Maria emphasizes cutting back portions instead of cutting out your favorite foods. Keri concurs, saying "Bottom line is learning portion control and adapting a realistic lifestyle."