by James Kent

Created on: December 23, 2009   Last Updated: December 28, 2009

Nearly everyone has been in the situation where they wanted to lose a specified amount of weight within a short period of time. The problem is it's generally ill advised to lose weight quickly. This is often what happens when people are left with excess loose skin. Therefore, I would strongly advise against extreme approaches to weight loss. Diet pills are generally dangerous and crash diets are often unhealthy and counter productive, because when coming off the diet the weight is likely to be regained.

The best way to lose weight is the same as being healthy; eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Follow the usual rules of eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and cutting out as many desserts and cakes as possible. Then, it's essential to have some kind of exercise plan. Dig out that gym membership card, get involved in sport or get walking. Do what you want or what you love, but you must aim to be active for 3-5 days a week for at least 30 minutes each session. 

The focus here is to have a lifestyle change that will have long term benefits. By doing so it's highly likely that you will also lose weight. But more important than that you will have a situation that can be maintained. Losing weight the natural and healthy way can be maintained, but a short term fix is rarely sustainable. Diet pills and crash diets may offer a short term solution, but they rarely offer a new healthy lifestyle. 

Most people would probably be tempted to go for the short term fix, but having a longer term vision is more sensible. Otherwise a few months down the line, you will be back to square one. The other thing is once you know how to eat and live healthily it's easier to maintain. By following these tips to a healthier lifestyle you will be better and feel better. I am also confident that given enough time, you will also lose weight.

The bottom line here is follow all the usual advice on living healthy. Don't focus on the weight loss and don't be tempted to use extreme measures to lose weight. Do look to improve your diet, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and cut down on desserts. Do also get into an exercise routine, doing what you enjoy. Hopefully then you will reach your weight loss target in time.

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