Realistic Ideas and Information for Losing Weight and Keeping it Off

At some time or other, we have all had a moment when our pants were too tight and we had to make the decision to reduce food intake and increase exercise. That, or buy bigger pants. While bigger pants is the easiest solution, it isn't a healthy one, nor is what we really want.

While it is tempting to try a "Fad Diet" for quick results, slow and steady weight loss, based on a change of lifestyle and eating habits, is the way to go. Weight loss doesn't happen overnight - go for slow, steady and permanent progress. As well as providing only temporary weight loss, skipping meals invariably leads to nausea and fainting, and over prolonged periods can lead to heart and kidney problems and even death.

There are no magic potions or specialty items that can make us lose weight. Those that claim to be able to significantly reduce weight within days are Fad Diets. The Federal Trade Commission reports show that Americans spend over 1 billion dollars each year on weight loss gimmicks, reading materials and products. Don't waste your hard earned dollars on snack foods or weight loss products!

How to Spot a Fad Diet

• The diet involves a drastic change in calorie consumption.
• The diet revolves around the consumption of pills, powders or prepared foods such as diet bars and shakes.
• The diet specifies eating particular foods or foods in certain combinations.
• The diet calls for the elimination of fat, sugar and/or carbohydrates.
• Any diet that involves skipping meals.

Losing 1 to 2 pounds per week, although gradual, is a strong indicator of long term success. Long term weight loss relies on a lifestyle change in long term eating and exercise habits, not a diet or temporary program.

To lose weight you must burn more calories than you eat. One pound of fat equals approximately 3,500 calories which means reducing one's intake by 500-1000 calories per day to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week.

For more information:

Winning the Weight Loss Race
For more information on Fad Diets go to: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diets.html
For more information on eating disorders go to: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eatingdisorders.html