Practical Weight Loss Truth

Many dietitians will tell you the horror stories. They see their patients who have gotten weight-loss advice from their friends and relatives. Some of them have been told to check out this new fad diet, others will tell them to stay away from carbohydrates. Still others have been told to stick with an all low fat diet.

The confusion comes from information overload. Check out the latest magazines the next time your at your grocer's checkout. Head into your local bookstore and look over the many titles that are in the health and nutrition book aisles. With all of this bombarding us, it's no wonder you the consumer is confused.

So what is a person to do when looking for the most practical weight-loss plan? Most dietitians suggest asking these basic questions first about a plan before starting:

• What claims does it have to weight loss?
• Are specific food combinations required?
• Does it claim to can help you loss weight and keep it off?
• Will you have to give up your favorite foods?
• Is it a miracle cure?

Chances are that a yes answer to any of the above questions will mean your odds with that diet is not good. It's doubtful that you will find any success.

How does one achieve long-term success in the quest for weight loss? Is there a practical way to achieve this without the constant struggling? These tips have been what most dietitians have been advocating for years:

• Don't skip that most important meal of the day. Studies show that a healthy breakfast meal will continue your good habit throughout the day.
• Learn to eat slowly. Appreciate the taste of the food your consuming.
• Stop eating when you're full. You don't have to clean your plate no matter what your mother told you.
• Plan your meals ahead of time. If you schedule your meals chances are you'll stick with a health menu.
• Choose to portion size your meals. Pay attention to how much you put on your plate.
• Find at least 30 minutes a day at five days a week to moderately exercise.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day) along with whole grain carbohydrates.
• Keep track of what your eating by writing it down in a journal.
• Set yourself up for success in your home by not bringing in unhealthy snacks and high calorie foods. Make sure that you have healthy foods easily accessible.

As with a lot of choices in life, weight loss is not easy. Sure you could restrict your calorie intake and loss a few pounds, but it wouldn't last. Losing weight and keeping it off is a lifestyle change. By making the commitment to modify your eating habits and getting the exercise, your chances are very good.