The Best Ways to Lose Weight

Losing weight is something that most people are concerned about. Yet it seems that even those who successfully lose weight end up gaining some or all of it back. There are numerous experts and methods out there to help instruct you on how to lose weight rapidly and keep it off. Yet it seems the fine print often says that results will vary and aren't typical. So what has been tried and true through generations as effective weight loss methods? Try this basic tips to help lose that extra weight and keep it off.

Exercise and Weight Training

• Exercising is one of the healthiest and most effective ways to lose those extra pounds and keep them off for good. Experts recommend that for weight loss, spend 30 minutes, five days a week doing some form of exercise. The good news is recent studies have shown that you can break your 30 minutes down to three 10-minute increments and get the same effect. So find something you enjoy doing -- walking with a friend, joining classes at your local gym, going for a hike in the mountains, or riding your bike or walking to run errands that are nearby.

  Weight training provides a benefit separate from that of regular exercise. Muscle requires more calories than fat for maintenance and increasing muscle will increase your metabolism, meaning your calories will burn even when you're resting. Combining strength training and cardio workouts will increase your weight loss efforts.

Eating Habits

• Take a look at your eating habits and pick a few that may be causing you to pack on the pounds or hang on to what you've already gained. Diets that consist mostly of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are the best for your body in many ways, losing weight being just one. The good news is that a diet high in these natural foods (versus one high in processed foods) will increase your metabolism and keep your body healthy during your weight-loss efforts, providing necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and the like. Also, unlike other diets, ones focused mostly on cutting out foods that have been processed or refined, you can eat as much as you like on a diet containing more natural foods.

Observe and Alter Bad Habits

• There are a few other bad habits that may be throwing you off your goal that you aren't aware of. Drink lots of water -- it helps you feel fuller and is better for you than other drinks that provide empty calories or artificial ingredients. Also, don't eat late in the evening when your metabolism is slower and make sure you're getting enough sleep so your body doesn't mistake hunger for tiredness. Take your time when you eat so your body receives the signal that its full before you overeat.

  Many people find that keeping a journal of what they've eaten helps them to be more aware of habits that are thwarting their weight-loss efforts. Another option is to join a support group, or enlist support of a spouse or friend, to help keep you on track and stay motivated.