The 10 Principles of Losing Weight

Diets are quick-fix traps that don't last. Many people skip from one to the next, losing weight now and gaining it back later. This cycle is discouraging, defeating and often dangerous. A lifetime commitment to good health practices is the only safe path to permanent weight control. Following are the 10 principles of losing weight.

1. Think long term- Shortcuts and quickie plans never last.

2. Do it yourself - Improving your health and energy are better motivations than a coming class

reunion.

3. Prepare the way - Don't rush into a diet before you are ready for long term changes.

4. Think fruits, grains, legumes and vegetables.

5. Control portion sizes - use a smaller plate. Serve yourself smaller portions and put away

leftovers before you eat.

6. Eat three meals a day - Eating at regular intervals will not send your body into a deprivation

which may cause you to eat more.

7. Maintain your program - Successful weight-loss managers realize that they are not on a

temporary diet - they are starting a permanent new lifestyles.

8. Exercise - Activity is the key to successful weight control, particularly in middle age.

9. Don't overdo it - Don't push yourself to the higher end of the target range. abrisk one-hour

walk a day is a terrific goal for steady, healthy weight management.

10. When you think activity - think "play" - Gardening, yardwork, household chores, sports,

bicycling, and playing with kids are all productive activities.

Can you make the commitment? It's just a matter of disciplining oneself.