Essential Keys For Weight Management

For years researchers and scientists believed that weight management and increased longevity can be achieved by eating fewer calories and burning more calories with physical activity. Calorie restricted diets have benefitted nearly every species tested, including worms, spiders, rodents, dogs, cows and monkeys. Based on this research experts believe that a calorie restriction (CR) diet applies to humans as well.

With that being said, here is essential information you need for having a healthy weight loss program:

• Chose a reasonable, realistic weight loss goal. Don't get carried away and expect to lose 25 pounds in a week - it doesn't happen.
• Adopt a reduced calorie, nutritionally-balanced eating plan. Everyone knows this but do you know what foods fit this category?
• Get regular physical activity. Weight management is mathematical, you need to burn more calories than you take in.
• Change your behavior to help you stay on track with your goals. Forget that stop off for at the fast food drive-in, eat an orange or apple when you need a "sweet" fix and don't look for excuses to get off your weight management plan.

Here are some more things to keep in mind about weight loss management:

• Calorie counts
• Portions count
• Nutrition counts
• Even a small amount of weight loss can lead to big health benefits
• Strive to develop good habits to last a lifetime
• Discuss weight loss with your doctor before getting started

Getting Started With Your Weight Management Plan

• If possible, have your Body Mass Index (BMI) checked. It is an indicator of body fat - and see where it fits within the BMI categories.
• Go see your doctor and decide together on your weight loss goals. If you have a lot of weight to lose, set a realistic intermediate goal, maybe to lose 10 pounds. Figure out your calorie nees. Use the USDA’s online Adult Energy Needs and BMI Calculator. to determine the number of calories needed each day to maintain your current weight. To lose about 1 pound per week, subtract 500 calories each day from the daily amount. To lose about 2 pounds per week, subtract 1000 calories daily.
• Score your current food intake and physical activity level using MyPyramid Tracker.

How Do I Know Which Weight Loss Plan is Right For Me?
Let's face facts, a short-term "diet" is no answer to long-term weight management. In choosing how to go about losing weight, keep in mind key habits of people who have lost weight and kept in off. These people are called "Successful Losers" by the weight control experts who have studied them.

Key Behaviors of Successful Weight Losers

• Getting regular physical activity
• Reducing calorie and fat intake
• Eating regular meals, including breakfast
• Weighing themselves regularly
• Not letting small "slips" turn into large weight regain

If you are considering a commercial weight loss program, read Diet Right Solutions for selecting a weight loss program or choosing a safe and successful weight-loss program.