Losing all the excess weight from your body can never be done in a fast and easy method. You will definitely need a lot of patience to achieve the weight you have been dreaming of. That’s why most people are resorting to the latest fad diets, or trying out the latest weight-loss invention tips without realizing that it only offers temporary results. The truth is, there is no quick and easy way to lose weight. You just have to make simple, practical and sustainable changes in your lifestyle.

THINK HEALTHY RATHER THAN THINK THIN
-Adopt a healthy lifestyle that will make you look and feel good about yourself. Feeling good about yourself is part of being healthy.

DON’T DIET
-Abandon the idea of dieting and everything associated with it such as excluding a food group. Instead, plan to eat healthy, balanced meals. People need to consume a healthy diet that consists of a variety of nutrients (the chemical substances in foods that nourishes the body). Your diet should include vegetables, whole grains, fruits, lean meat, fish, and dairy products. Pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Drink plenty of water. Limit saturated fat and salt, and consume moderate amounts of sugar.

EXERCISE
-Save at least 20 minutes of your time to exercise. It has a lot of benefits and also helps increase muscle mass and metabolic rate.

WATCH YOUR PORTION
-Understand what one-serving means. Here are a few guidelines for serving size:
meat - palm of hand
bread - one slice
chips - one handful
fruit - one medium sized apple
pasta - one scoop of ice cream
rice - half a cup or regular-sized cupcake

TAKE TIME EATING
-Enjoy the taste and the smell of your food. Eat slowly and chew each bite completely. Put down your spoon and fork while chewing instead of preparing for the next mouthful.

MAKE SOME CHANGES
-Lose weight slowly. According to the health experts, gradual losses make it more likely that those pounds will stay off. Don’t deprive yourself completely of snacks. While watching TV, munch on something healthy like fruit, vegetable stick, or nuts.

COMPLEMENT EXERCISE PROGRAM BY BEING ACTIVE
-Take the stairs, walk to the mall, park your car farther than normal, and take a walk with a friend.

SET REASONABLE GOALS
-Give yourself a deadline and write it down. Post it in a place where you can see it everyday. Make positive goals such as “I will learn to play badminton well,” rather than “I should lose 10 pounds.”

EAT BREAKFAST
-Studies show that people who skip breakfast are more likely to over-consume food at their next meal, or take unnecessary snacks to tide them over until lunch.

FORGIVE YOURSELF WHEN YOU STUMBLE
-There will be days when you just can’t help yourself and have more than you should eat. After taking the last bite, forgive yourself and get back on track.

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
-No matter how old you are or how healthy you perceive yourself to be, consult your doctor before you begin a weight-loss or exercise program.