by Nancy Moore

Created on: January 16, 2010

Losing weight can be accomplished. There isn't an easy fix to getting fit, but it really isn't a big secret either. It takes determination and dedication. No-one can decide for you. It is a very personal decision. Sometimes all it takes is to get on the scale or look in a mirror in your underwear. Wow, that can be a wakeup call for many folks. Or perhaps your significant other says “looks like you’ve put on a couple of pounds.”

Often times, a person really thinks he or she isn't eating all that much. The best way to really keep track of what you are eating every day is to keep a food diary. It is imperative that you keep portion sizes too. A little bit of this, a little bit of that couldn't add up to all that much, or could it? The answer: yes it could.

Portion size is one big key. Of course, food item selections play a big part too. Forget the old myth that says no sweets, no candies, absolutely no fats. A small amount of sweets, candies, or yes, even fats, will not wreck your diet efforts. If you don’t allow yourself a little bit of room to deviate from a strict eating program, you probably won’t be successful. The more you think about something you have banned from your diet, the more you crave that food.

 It is also important to add supplements to your diet. A good multiple vitamin and additional calcium for women is a good addition to your daily intake. You don't have to diet to need supplements though. They are a good idea for anyone since it is almost impossible to get everything your body needs from food alone. Today, it is not unusual to cook a good deal of the vitamins out of foods before they get to your plate.

A couple of things to keep in mind is not to expect quick results (ask how long did it take me to gain this weight?) Also, your new eating routine is something you want to incorporate into your lifestyle, not struggle with for a few weeks, lose the weight and then start to eat again. If you do, before long all the lost pounds will slowly creep back on your hips or stomach or somewhere on your body.

A good thing to keep in mind is how much more energy you will have as the pounds melt off. It also gives some people an incentive to incorporate exercise into their new lifestyle routine. Two or three times a week of about 30 minutes of exercise should do the trick. Don’t think you have to workout everyday. Remember not to set yourself too many goals or it will be impossible to stick with it.

Finally, try taking up a new hobby such as reading, handiwork, crafts or even scrapbooking. This keeps your hands busy creating instead of eating.

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