Losing weight is challenging enough. Getting credible information from reputable sources should not be an additional obstacle on your path to a leaner life. Skip the snake oil sales pitches and use trusted resources to develop a weight loss plan that fits your needs. Choose reliable tools and sites to help you focus on implementing proven strategies.
Nutritional Guidance
The federal government uses taxpayer dollars to develop nutrition information for consumers, supported by years of scientific research. MyPyramid.gov and Nutrition.gov are two government websites that provide nutritional guidance for dieters. Nutrition.gov helps you evaluate commercial diet claims and find a weight loss program that will work for you.
Calorie Counting
Counting calories is unavoidable when dieting, but you can get help with this task at Shape Up America. This site helps you create a daily menu that fits the total calories that you should consume to lose weight. It provides options for each meal and totals the calories in your selections. Shape Up's meal planner also has recipes for many of the suggested menu items and the option to create a shopping list that fits your meal selections.
Diet Reviews
Many people prefer to follow a structured diet plan with set rules and menus, but the choices available each year for diet books, commercial packaged diets and online diet promoters can be overwhelming. The American Dietetic Association reviews consumer diet books online, and compares the eating plans to guidance developed by nutrition professionals. These reviews help you avoid spending money on unsound diets based on junk science. Nutrition.gov also provides consumer advice about diet plans that the agency has found to be unsafe or to make unfounded weight loss claims.
Exercise Tips
The final piece of the puzzle in a successful weight loss plan is exercise. Increasing your daily activity level improves your chances of creating the calorie deficit that you need to burn excess fat. Find the best exercise for your fitness level and the amount of time that you have available with tips from the American Council on Exercise, an association that certifies fitness professionals and recommends or reviews training and weight loss plans for consumers. For a quick guide to the number of calories burned by typical exercises such as walking, skiing, jogging or aerobics, consult the MayoClinic.com website and choose exercises by calories burned per hour or your interest and skills.
References
- MedlinePlus: Weight Control
- MyPyramid.gov: Steps to a Healthier You MyPyramid.gov
- Shape Up America: Welcome to the Cyberkitchen
- Nutrition.gov: What You Should Know About Popular Diets
- American Dietetic Association: Consumer Diet and Lifestyle Book Reviews
- American Council on Exercise: Exercises for Abdominals
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