Step-by-Step Weight Loss Plan

Losing weight is difficult. Success depends largely on changing your lifestyle. Being overweight predisposes you to the chronic health conditions of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent these problems. You can choose a step-by-step weight-loss plan and lose a few pounds, but if you want to keep the weight off, you must be patient and consistent.

Clean Your Pantry

• Ban sugary treats and fried foods from your pantry and your diet. Overindulging in foods containing sugar and fat can use up your calorie requirements for the day. These foods are also empty calories since they provide no nutritional value.

Eat in Moderation

• Most of us have become accustomed to super-size servings of food. Restaurants unapologetically serve double and triple-size portions. It is important to learn correct portion sizes for meals to prevent overeating. Try measuring your food for one or two weeks to help you get used to recognizing normal portions.

Exercise Consistently

• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day five days a week. With exercise you burn extra calories and those stored in your body as fat. You should also try to include working out with weights, since muscle continues burning calories and fat even when you are resting.

Drink Water

• It is important to remain hydrated, especially when exercising regularly. Aim for at least two quarts of water a day. Sometimes you may think that you are hungry when you are actually thirsty for water.