by Michelle Wilkinson

Created on: June 05, 2009

Losing weight depends on finding a system that works for you, based on cutting calories and increasing the amount of activity you do. Whether you are aiming to lose between 10 and 20 pounds or an even more substantial amount of weight you need to find the motivation to continue following an exercise programme and to eat right, since weight loss won't happen overnight. You have to be realistic about how much weight you can lose each week and to remain focused on reaching your ultimate weight-loss goal. The chances are that if your are overweight you have acquired some poor eating habits and have been leading an inactive lifestyle. You therefore need to tackle both with equal vigour to maximise your weight-loss results.

In terms of exercise you need to find an activity which you like doing so that you will want to put on your fitness clothing and get running or cycling, or whatever most appeals to you. If you are the kind of person who gets bored easily you might want to engage in a range of different activities, mixing it up a little bit. As well as keeping you motivated you will also be working out different muscles, and thus strengthening and toning your body in different places.

It can be extremely helpful to set aside a particular time for you to exercise, so that you know exactly when you are going to exercise, and thus find it easier to stick to a plan and to exercise regularly. In order for you to achieve your weight-loss goals quicker and to obtain the health benefits you need to exercise frequently, which is why it is so important to set aside time to get more active. Some people find that getting exercise out of the way in the morning can give them something to wake up for and make them feel revitalised, and relieved that they don't have to spend the rest of the day worrying about when they are going to fit exercise in.

Other people prefer to exercise after work, going for a run before they eat dinner, for instance, whilst there are those who really struggle to find the time, but adjust their habits to incorporate more activity. This could involve walking everywhere instead of driving or putting more effort into housework or gardening. Getting more activity into your daily routine is the most important thing however you choose to do so.

The more calories you burn the more room for manoeuvre you will have in the number of calories you are able to consume. Obviously you still have to reduce how much food you eat, but exercising increases your metabolism and enables you to eat more and continue to lose weight than if you don't exercise. Losing 10 to 20 pounds basically depends on you committing to a more active lifestyle and a healthier diet so that you can achieve your weight-loss goals.

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