5 Ways to Slim Down

Whether you're in a constant struggle with your weight, or just trying to lose those few extra pounds you put on during vacation, there are some simple tips to help.

Calculate Calorie Intake

• Keep a food diary and record everything that you eat throughout the day. Make a note of how many calories each food contains and then calculate the total. The amount of calories you should be consuming depends on your individual body mass index or BMI and the level of activity you undertake. However, the average adult should consume about 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day. If you're well over the limit in relation to your BMI, check your food diary and determine which unhealthy foods you can eliminate or reduce from your daily consumption to bring down your calorie total.

Keep Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, as often people tend to confuse hunger with thirst. If you're not sure whether you're hungry or thirsty, try drinking a glass of water and waiting a little while, then see you how feel. By staying hydrated, you don't feel the need to eat as much and can eliminate putting on unnecessary pounds.

Eat Smaller Portions

• The less food you put on your plate, the less you're tempted to eat. Overfilling your dinner plate results in consuming more calories than you need. As an estimate, your portion size is roughly your fist size for round foods and the size of your palm for flat foods. Do not put extra food on your plate until you have finished what's there. If you do, you'll eat the extra regardless of how hungry you are.

Exercise Daily

• Draw up an exercise plan and stick to it. You don't have to be the athletic type to exercise. Walking for at least 45 minutes a day results in weight loss, so if you don't like using equipment or going to the gym, take a walk. You must do this daily without fail in order for it to work, so set aside time on your calendar each day to exercise.