Food pyramid
Almost everyone who wants to lose weight wants to do it quickly. This might not be the best way, however. The safest way to lose weight, and the one most likely to keep the weight off once lost, is a slow healthy weight loss plan. Taking care of your body's needs is the best way to lose weight. And in the long run, losing weight is all about your health.
Your Food Plan
According to the National Institutes of Health, a reduced-calorie diet of approximately 500 calories less than your normal diet per day is the safest way to lose weight. Discover a safe calorie amount for your weight loss, and this will result in a loss of 1 to 2 lbs. a week. This loss is the one most likely to be kept off after dieting is finished, and the best on your body.
Nutrition
All food groups contain nutrients that your body needs. Find out how many servings of each food group is required for maintaining your good health, and fit these into your food plan. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and fat are all important parts of your daily diet, and all of them should be included. Also, consuming a daily multivitamin will ensure that you get all the trace elements that your body needs.
Move Your Body
Part of that 500-calorie loss per day should be achieved by exercise. You don't have to go to a gym or health club if you don't want to. Walk with your kids or dog. Play frisbee or hula hoop. Play basketball, climb stairs in a tall building, rollerblade, dance to the radio or CDs. Anything that moves your body and makes you breathe more counts toward your daily exercise. Make it fun, and you're more likely to do it every day.
