There’s no real secret about how to lose weight. Everybody knows that the only way lose weight is to reduce the amount of food they eat and make their body burn more calories than they take in.  That’s all there is to it. 

Sounds simple, but the reality is very hard. It takes a lot of time and effort and it can be a continuous battle that requires commitment and a good plan for many people.  A good resource that’s often overlooked for information and planning is the Center for Disease Control’s website.  the information is free and updated often.

How To Lose Weight The Effective Way

When it comes to weight loss, there’s no lack of fad diets promising fast results. But such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run.

The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about short-term dietary changes. It’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses.

Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health now and as you age.  

It’s natural for anyone trying to lose weight to want to lose it very quickly. But evidence shows that people who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off. Healthy weight loss isn’t just about a “diet” or “program”. It’s about an ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in daily eating and exercise habits.

To lose weight, you must use up more calories than you take in. Since one pound equals 3,500 calories, you need to reduce your caloric intake by 500—1000 calories per day to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week.1

Once you’ve achieved a healthy weight, by relying on healthful eating and physical activity most days of the week (about 60—90 minutes, moderate intensity), you are more likely to be successful at keeping the weight off over the long term.

Losing weight is not easy, and it takes commitment. But if you’re ready to get started, the CDC has a step-by-step guide to help get you on the road to weight loss and better health.

 How To Keep The Weight Off

So, how do you choose a healthy eating plan that will help you maintain your current weight? The goal is to make a habit out of choosing foods that are nutritious and healthful.

If your goal is to prevent weight gain, then you’ll want to choose foods that supply you with the appropriate number of calories to maintain your weight. This number varies from person to person. It depends on many factors, including your height, weight, age, sex, and activity level.

In addition to a healthy eating plan, an active lifestyle will help you maintain your weight. By choosing to add more physical activity to your day, you’ll increase the amount of calories your body burns. This makes it more likely you’ll maintain your weight.