Losing weight and keeping it off is not easy, despite the fact that most of us know that a healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise are the keys to losing weight. The following weight loss tips can help you to shed some of those pounds.
Firstly, try to avoid the many so called fad diets that are around. Most of those are not effective, and some of them are unhealthy, even dangerous. A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits, and one that does not include too many sugary drinks is a basic, yet effective way to start.
Portion size is also important, and many of us simply eat too much, especially in restaurants. For example, a serving of meat should be able to comfortably fit in the palm of your hand, while a serving of pasta is actually just half a cup of cooked pasta. If you have a sweet tooth, it is OK to eat pastries, candy and cakes occasionally, just not all the time.
Exercise is also important and even if the only exercise you get is walking round your block, it is better than nothing. In fact walking is actually one of the most effective exercises to lose weight, as are jogging, skipping, cycling and swimming. Be realistic and start out slowly; for many overweight people, simply making themselves exercise and sticking to a routine is the most difficult part.
Keeping a journal of what you eat, when you eat and how much is also one of the best weight loss tips. However, you should not skip meals, as this simply means that you are more likely to snack in between meals. Some well known weight loss programs use the points system, which is a simple yet effective way of monitoring and controlling your calorie intake.
~Samantha Hua, Nutrition Expert
