Losing weight is a tough endeavor, but it's certainly possible for you to lose weight by taking a simple and straightforward approach. The basics of weight loss all come down to eating healthy and exercising regularly. Avoiding complicated diet plans and exercise regimens can help you succeed in the long run, so keep it as simple as possible.
The Facts
Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight is important because it lowers your risk of developing many potentially-deadly diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 report. Though weight loss is never easy, there are some weight loss plans that are easier to follow than others, and these are the plans that lead to long term results.
Significance
Not only is losing weight significant because of the improvements in overall health you'll experience when you reach your target weight, but it also can help boost your self esteem and energy levels, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. An increase in energy can help you be more productive throughout the day, so it's a significant benefit of maintaining a healthy body weight.
Types
Finding an easy weight loss plan, with so many options to choose from, is easier said than done. There are some weight loss programs; however, there are some that feature a simple and straightforward approach to losing weight. One easy program is the MyPyramid Plan developed by the USDA. MyPyramid is a free online tool that tells you exactly how many calories to consume each day in order to lose weight; it also helps you start an exercise program. Another easy weight loss plan is going vegetarian. This low-calorie, highly-nutritious approach to weight loss doesn't require any calorie counting or complicated rules. Simply eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, soy products and whole grains.
Time Frame
When engaging in a weight loss plan of any kind, be sure not to lose weight too fast or it could be harmful to your health, according to the Dept. of HHS. They recommend losing weight at a maximum of 2 lbs. per week in order to allow your body to adjust accordingly to the big changes it is experiencing. Two lbs. per week is equivalent to 7,000 calories-a-week, and you can achieve this calorie deficit by eating healthy, low-calorie meals and exercising regularly.
Warning
Diet pills and fad diets should be avoided because they can be unhealthy and lead to future weight gain in most cases, according to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. There's no ultra-quick or miracle solution for weight loss, so stick to the Dept. of HHS guidelines of no more than two lbs. per week for safe weight loss. Also, speak to your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program to be sure that it's the right choice for you.
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