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First off, losing weight in a safe manner comes down to two major things: cut down your portions and exercise.

I despise these fad diets that tell you to suddenly rip out a necessary component of your daily diet. You need carbs, people. You need fats. You need to take in a certain amount of calories each day. You also need to be able to differentiate the good from the bad in each area in addition to understanding just how much is enough.

Secondly, one fact that you need to come to realize is that losing weight should be a lifestyle change, not a "I have to fit into this dress by Friday" moment. Chances are, if you've come to the decision that you need to lose weight, you want to keep it off permanently.

On of the most important first steps you can make in changing your eating habits is reading labels and educating yourself on what is a correct portion size. Believe it or not, that can of soup is actually two servings. That bowl of pasta at your favorite restaurant? Three servings.

Speaking from experience, the transition from current portion sizes to correct ones can be slightly difficult. One tip you might find helpful is to try to compensate those missing servings with raw vegetables, fresh fruit or a side salad (with a healthy dressing).

Thirdly, exercise is a must. It's as simple as that. At the very least, you should be working in no less than 30 minutes of brisk walking at some point during your day. Before work, after work, during work - whatever works best for you but fit it into your schedule.

Another tip is to try focusing on at least fitting one walk into your mid-day activities. In this country, most of the populace is employed by a job that keeps them locked at a desk for 95% of the day. I've had my days where lunch was a one-handed moment that takes place at my desk, while I continue to work. Even if you don't get a chance to take a proper lunch hour, try to take a brisk walk around the block. Not only does it get some of your exercise requirement in, it tends to be refreshing and can send you back to work a little more invigorated.

In general, as long as you properly educate and prepare yourself and formulate a plan that you will diligently stick to, you'll be well on your way to not only a healthy bout of weight loss but a healthier life.

Learn more about this author, April Outen.
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