Hi, Mary, did you know that 75% of people going on a weight loss diet will have given up within a month to six weeks? Before even considering going on any weight loss diet you have to accept that a change of lifestyle isn't an option, it's a necessity. One of the main reasons people give up is they can't accept the new lifestyle. Trying to lose weight while trying to keep your old lifestyle doesn't make for a happy marriage.

Unless you are one of the lucky minority whose metabolism uses the amount of calories the body needs then burns off the rest, gaining weight is a problem most people will have to face for the rest of their lives. So, what can you do about it? Plenty, if you have the determination and willpower to succeed.

First you have to find what your calorie maintenance level is. This is the amount of calories your body need daily to carry out its natural functions and tasks throughout the day. If you eat more calories than your calorie maintenance level you will gain weight in the form of fat.

For example:There are 3,500 calories in one pound of fat. Based on the 3,500 calorie principle, if your body needs 3,000 calories daily and you consume 3,500, at the end of the week you will have gained one pound in weight. 7 x 500 = 3,500.

There no such thing as "one diet fits all", what diet suits one person doesn't necessarily suit another. Find a diet that suits you and, as long as it's healthy, with the correct amount of vitamins and minerals, etc, and doesn't exceed you calorie maintenance level, stick with it.

At all costs, ignore the "get rich quick" merchants offering you their latest "Lose 10lbs In A Week With Our Miracle Diet", or "Lose Weight Fast With Our Magic Weight Loss Pill". They're not interested in reducing the size of your waistline, only the size of your wallet! Falling for these scams can only bring you heartache in the future.

There's only one way to lose weight safely and permanently, and that's through a combination of a healthy calorie controlled diet and exercise.

The biggest issue is portion control. I went from a body fat % if over 25% to 8.6%.in 2 years ! The biggest issue us not just dieting as that is only a temporary fix to an overall problem. Small frequent meals 3-4 hours apart with small snacks in between.the most important part of us eat right and exercise! I used to work for a nutrition store and people used to ask me how to lose weight? Ithey were looking for the magic pill. Its just that simple excercise and eat right, portion control= at your 3 biggest meals a portion of protein, a portion of carbs(got white as in rice, potatoes or bread) and a portion of green vegetables. I once read "want to get lean eat green. Btw a portion is equal to the size of your fist or the plan if your hand. I also am involved in a program with proven results me being one as time is always an excuse. But 7 minutes 3x per week! Contact me personally. Whatever you choose it's a lifestyle change and to be committed its your life. Healthy or in the hospital. Hope this was helpful to all who read this. Btw I've maintained between8-12% body fat for over 15years.
Always here to help on topics I'm passionate about, Michael

Hi Mary, a new life style is a must. Irv.

Loosing weight would be a whole new lifestyle. You are right, one has to be comfortable with their plan otherwise they are will gain back all the weight and more

Illness is a good way for weight loss also. I have had an illness problem not far ago and I lost about 8kg without any special diet. :)

Count on cal. with app. diet diary.

Thank for sharing

Mostly carbs should be reduced but some fats too. It's the combination of both that have to be focused on!

I have done a tremendous amount of research on weight loss, being a diabetic. The latest research shows that low fat diets are not good for you. Diabetics need to count carbs to determine how to much insulin to inject.

Greetings Mary,

I started a new health regime several weeks ago; although I know I need to burn more calories than I consume, I decided to stay away from counting colories, checking the scale weekly, and anything else that would require any form of regular measurement.

A friend told me recently that she wants to loose 3 pounds a week, stating that "numbers don't lie," but I also know that numbers don't tell the whole story. I started to share my Healthier Me journey about 6 weeks ago; there have been highs and lows, but I've been consistent, so that is a tremendous victory.

All the best Mary!