1. Learn to Eat a Balanced Diet
Most people have no idea how much they actually eat on an average day. While you may be aware of the main meals you have, you may not pay attention to the snacks or treats you eat in between. Small items, however, add up, and it's easy to exceed your recommended caloric intake with just a few additional glasses of soda or cookies a day. If you're not too familiar with the science of nutrition, consider booking an appointment with a nutritionist to learn how many calories you should be eating, how to balance them out among carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and how to make healthy substitutions in the recipes you love. If you prefer to do this on your own, use the FDA's food pyramid as a basic guide. Avoiding certain foods completely is usually not a good idea, as it often results in cravings and overeating later on. Instead, aim to eat four to five small meals throughout the day to avoid feeling overly hungry at any time.
2. Be Active
It's never all or nothing when it comes to exercise. Even a short daily walk can keep you fit and healthy if you combine it with a balanced diet. Joining a gym can work for some people because seeing others work out acts as a push to do the same yourself, but don't feel that's your only option. Taking up a sport, such as tennis, hiking or swimming, may be better if you don't enjoy group classes or prefer working out outdoors. Another way to be more active is by simply incorporating exercise into your daily routine: take the stairs instead of using the elevator, park your car away from the mall so you have to walk to it and get off the bus one station earlier. These may seem like small things to do, but the calories burned and the health benefits add up.
3. Get Treatment for Mental and Emotional Issues
A fairly large percentage of obese people suffer from depression or anxiety. Emotional eating makes it easier for people to lose control over their food intake, both regarding the number of calories consumed and the choice of food. That's why you're more likely to indulge in chocolate ice cream than on broccoli when you feel upset or overwhelmed. While doing this occasionally is fine, using food to mask emotional pain on a daily basis can indicate a serious problem. If you see yourself loosing control over your eating habits, consider talking to a doctor or therapist.
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