Focus on Health NOT Weight to Lose Weight

The problem with most weight loss plans is that it focuses too much attention on simple weight loss strategies and not enough on the long term goals. Once you lose the weight, what are you going to do then? Did the plan or program you follow have a good plan for after you lost the weight? Do you really expect to keep the weight off by not changing your diet or amount of activity? Be realistic with yourself. Weight loss shouldn't be the main point. Shadowing everything, including weight loss, should be the overall goal of being healthy. If being healthy means being a few sizes smaller than you need to do things that will shape your body, increase muscle, and burn fat. But don't expect an overnight process to actually keep the weight off. Being healthy is a lifetime responsibility, and no quick fix is going to be enough.

You need take everything into consideration when trying to lose weight, and how it effects your overall health. Do you eat too much or do you eat the wrong things? Both are very dangerous and can lead to extra pounds. Turn to healthy alternatives. No one is telling you to cut out the things you love, but moderation would go a long way in the process of losing weight and becoming healthier. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein to your diet. Count calories, and make it a lifetime goal not just a quick diet. You need to change your diet, not go on one. Limit portion sizes, eat frequent small meals, and limit sugars and carbs. That doesn't mean completely cut them out like the Atkins diet; just reduce them.

Physical exercise is a must. You would not believe how important exercise is to your body. It reduces stress, releases endorphins to make you feel happy, increases your metabolism, strengthens your immune system, decreases risk of disease, and dramatically increases your healthy lifestyle. It's very important to any living being, and as humans (especially those of us living in relative luxury) we've dropped the ball on this one. You may not think you have time to add a whole exercise program to your week, and surely you can't go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week. That's ok. Start simple and work up. Park further away from things and walk across the parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Buy a jump rope and do reps when watching tv. Get a dog and walk him frequently. Do something to stay active. Then as you realize how simple it can be to be active, increase your active periods by getting home-based equipment (a lot of it doesn't need to be big or bulky) and use it while you watch tv or listen to music. You'll feel a lot better, be much healthier, and the weight will start coming off.