by Lisa Rosenkranz

Created on: July 30, 2011

Every year millions of Americans resolve to lose weight.  Weight loss has always been a hot commodity, but the options available to today’s consumer are vast and endless enough to discourage the most enthusiastic.  When you consider the costs of packaged food, gym memberships, dietary supplements, books, and doctor’s consultations, some people can give up before they even start. 

 Weight loss does not have to mean emptying your wallet.  The key to weight loss isn’t dieting or packaged dinners.  It does not have to consist of visiting a gym three times a week or hiring a private trainer.  The only way to loss weight and keep it off is by making lifestyle changes.   

Reducing your daily calorie count is great place to start.  Start with small increments.  Eliminate fatty foods.  Things fried, covered in cheese, or full of sodium should be avoided.  Introduce new foods, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of fiber.  Drink a large glass of water before meals to help you eat smaller portions while still feeling satisfied.  Cut out all snacks except fresh raw veggies and whole grains, and only allow one or two snacks a day.  A reward system works well.  If you’ve eaten good for a whole week, reward yourself with whatever indulgence you choose whether it’s a bag of Doritos or a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. 

Increasing your activity is also very important.  According to the CDC, living an active lifestyle controls weight, reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, while strengthening your muscles, improving your mental health and mood, and increasing your chances of living longer.

 Consider your interests and hobbies and use them to motivate yourself towards a more active lifestyle.  Do you like photography? Perhaps you might enjoy walking or hiking in order capture the perfect shot.  Do you like music? Maybe you should consider dancing.  Are you addicted to your television?  You can always buy a cheap treadmill and walk while you watch those reruns of CSI.  Are you a nature lover? There’s an endless list of activities for the outdoor enthusiast like mountain biking, camping, and canoeing.  Are you a compulsive shopper?  Set a goal to walk a mile in every indoor mall within a hundred mile radius.  Whatever you like to do, there’s a way to get up off the couch and incorporate it into the new active you. 

There are a few little changes you can make to your daily routine to help increase your activity level.  Park further away from your destination and force yourself to walk a few extra hundred yards everyday.  Over a month’s time, this really adds up.  Instead of taking the elevator, opt for the stairs.  Avoid labor saving devices by turning of the self-propel option on your vacuum or lawn mower and try walking to work/school if possible.

 According to the CDC, living an active lifestyle controls weight, reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, while strengthening your muscles, improving your mental health and mood,  and increasing your chances of living longer.  

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