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Weight loss may be easy enough when you are just starting out on a new plan, but keeping at it and keeping the weight off is next to impossible. So, let's strike the word "easy" from the title. Let's define the parameters of a plan to get in shape and stay in shape. Here are the particulars:

1. First, decide that the plan is forever. This may sound daunting; but, to really, truly get in shape and stay in shape, you must realize that there is no end to your plan. You are not going on a diet, Diets don't work and you certainly don't want to waste your time on something that doesn't work. So, commit yourself to adopting a new way of eating and a new way of life: one that is healthy, one that will promote weight loss, and one that is centered on the concept of eating to fuel your body and maintain it in a healthy condition.

2. Don't devise an elaborate plan. Keep it simple and you will have a better chance of adopting your plan to stay in shape for life. If you adopt a plan that is so complicated that you have to look things up every time you need to eat, it'll become a pain to implement over time. It might keep things interesting at first, but it will get old real quick. Eliminate every aspect of your plan that you think might lead you to failure. Make it as simple and easy as possible. For example, my plan is to eat only when hungry and to move more. That might sound too simple but it works.

3. Work staying in shape into your daily routine. To stay in shape it's important to move. When increasing physical activity in order to stay in shape many people join a gym or fitness center. If this works for you and is something you will continue over the long haul, go for it. You may even want to consult with a personal trainer to determine the best exercise plan for you. If taking the time out of your daily schedule to go to a gym is difficult, it will most likely be something you won't continue for the long haul. Therefore, choose something, such as walking, that you can work into your schedule more naturally. If you make exercise a part of your daily routine by automatically scheduling for it, you'll be more likely to stick to it. However, if you make it negotiable, you may talk yourself out of it.

4. Putting it all together. In developing a personal plan to get in shape and stay in shape be sure to cover all your bases. Devise a food plan that keeps you from running to fast food a couple times per day, devise a way to increase your physical activity that you will enjoy and continue, and address your emotional needs so that deprivation will not sabotage your program.

Learn more about this author, Lou Belcher.
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