The best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and
increase your physical activity. Experts suggest aiming for a
weight loss goal of about a pound a week.
1. Set Realistic Goals The first step to weight loss is setting
a realistic goal. By using a BMI chart and consulting with your
health care provider, you can determine what a healthy weight is
for you. To reach your goal safely, plan to lose weight
gradually. A weight loss of one-half to two pounds a week is
usually safe.
2. Change Your Lifestyle To be successful at losing weight, you
need to change your lifestyle and not just go on a diet. This
requires cutting back on the number of calories you eat by
eating smaller amounts of foods and choosing foods lower in
calories. It also means being more physically active.
3. Change Your Eating Habits Consider limiting portion sizes,
especially of foods high in calories, such as cookies, cakes and
other sweets; fried foods, like fried chicken and french fries;
and fats, oils, and spreads. Keep your intake of saturated fat,
trans fat and cholesterol as low as possible. Choose foods
naturally high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes
(such as beans and lentils), and whole grains. The high fiber
content of many of these foods may help you to feel full with
fewer calories.
4. Increase Your Physical Activity Most health experts recommend
a combination of a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical
activity for weight loss. Exercise does not have to be strenuous
to be beneficial. And some studies show that short sessions of
exercise several times a day are just as effective at burning
calories and improving health as one long session. To lose
weight and to maintain a healthy weight after weight loss, many
people need to do more than 30 minutes of moderate to intensive
physical activity daily. Walking is an excellent form of
physical activity that almost everyone can do.
5. Summary Successful weight loss and healthy weight management
depend on sensible goals and expectations. If you set sensible
goals for yourself, chances are you'll be more likely to meet
them and have a better chance of keeping the weight off. A
lifestyle based on healthy eating and regular physical activity
is the best way to lose weight permanently.
About the author:
Copyright © 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for Home Fitness
Equipment Website at
http://www.home-fitness-equipment.org.uk/ and he's also a
regular contributor to the Beauty Tips Website at
http://bath-and-body.bestlooks.org.uk/
