by Debra Frank

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 15, 2009

The dill pickle diet, the grapefruit diet, the low carb diet The list goes on and on and on. If you are like many in these times of fast food and large portions, you need a change.

The dieting industry is booming! Many people just like you are playing the weight yo-yo game. They go on quick diets and lose weight only to resume their previous habits after they've reached their desired weight and the weight comes back on. It is a vicious cycle. It's time to get off the diet treadmill and make life-style changes that will keep you from having to diet! Its time to learn about your body and its needs and what meeting those needs looks like.

Step 1

Go to http://www.mypyramid.gov and find out exactly what your body needs to maintain a normal weight for you. It will give food recommendations as well exercise recommendations. Choose the MyPyramid Plan under the tools section on the left side of the web page. Complete the data fields and then submit the information. On the following page, it will give you the option to see the food plan for your age, gender, and height.

Step 2

Follow the suggestions for eating and exercising for your food pyramid. It is necessary in the beginning to log all activity and foods. You'll need to measure servings as well, so that you become comfortable with what a normal serving looks like. This may seem tedious, but after you are comfortable with meeting your body's needs, you shouldn't have to measure and log daily. You will have learned what an appropriate serving looks like. Remembering to vary your diet, as suggested in the government website, will ensure you are getting all of the nutrients your body requires

Explore creative ways to increase your activity levels. Aim to increase your activity as much as possible and the pounds will just melt off. Walk on your work breaks, park farther from the store entrance, take the stairs rather than the elevator. You get the picture. The more activity, the more fit you will become. Challenge yourself to increase your activity by 5 minutes per day for the next several weeks. You will be fit in no time.

Take the time to learn the needs of a healthy person of your age and gender. Never needing to diet again can be as simple as this! You can learn to enjoy eating without guilt as you will be eating and exercising appropriately. You will reap many rewards of a healthy lifestyle, and will never have to try another of those fad diets.

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