by Glenore Weal

Created on: July 31, 2009

To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you take in. That's it, that's all. 3500 calories equals one pound so basic math tells us that if you cut your calories by 500 per day, you will lose one pound per week. No magic pill, bun-burner apparatus, or celebrity product endorsement can change that fact.

We've all seen the well-produced, high quality infomercials in the middle of the day or night. Slim, smiling women and lean, muscular men in the background use the equipment while a happy, toothy, attractive young woman stands in front telling you how you, too, can look like them if you'd only call the number on your screen right now... and if you call in the next ten minutes, you can also get the workout video that goes with the only equipment in the world that will burn fat off your buns and thighs. As much as we'd like the quick fix, in our hearts, you and I both know that these commercials are about pushing product, not losing weight.

The diet and weight loss industry is one of the most profitable in the world. A trip down the health aisle of any major book store displays dozens and dozens of shelves of weight loss books from both well-respected health experts and shady would-be entrepreneurs insisting that their particular diet or product is the only one that works. Each book will include testimonials from customers or clients advising you that this program is the only one that has ever worked for them.

The truth is, what really works is eating less and exercising more, and your body really doesn't care how you exercise it as long as you do it on a regular basis. You can put fast music on your stereo for an hour and commit yourself to dancing to every tune. You can take a fast-paced walk around your neighborhood for a half hour each day before work, or grab a quick salad and then take a quick walk during your lunch hour. If you can manage it where you work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car at the farthest end of the lot and walk a little further to the store. Get off the bus or subway a stop or two before your stop and walk the rest of the way if you can.

Losing weight takes planning, determination, and a willingness to succeed - and all of those things are free.

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