Government Guidelines For Weight Loss

It may be helpful for you to know what the government says about permanent weight loss, if you are thinking about going on yet another diet or going on a diet for the first time. What follows are some government guidelines for healthy weight loss.

Lose Weight Slowly

• It is best to aim to lose 1/2 to 2 pounds a week
• “Crash” diets may take off pounds faster, but it is likely that you will put the weight back on, and even gain more weight, after you stop the diet
• Better eating and exercise habits will result in a healthier lifestyle. This will help you to control your weight over time
• You will also improve your overall health and well being. This will reduce the likelihood of getting heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes

   

Exercise

• You should aim to exercise for 30 minutes every day. Brisk walking, riding a bicycle, tennis, dancing and gardening are legitimate forms of exercise
• Look for ways to get more active. Walk up stairs rather that using the escalator or elevator. Whenever possible, walk or ride your bicycle rather than driving to where you want to go
• Being active will help you to use more calories than you eat each day. This will keep the calories from being stored as fat in your body

   

Eat Fewer Calories

• The number of calories you need to consume each day will vary according to how active you are. You may need between 1,500 – 2,500 calories a day
• A rule of thumb is that to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you should aim to eat 300 to 500 fewer calories a day

   

Practice Portion Control

• Eat smaller amounts of food at each meal
• Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals

   

This is No Help; I already Know This

To know something and “doing” it are two separate things. The benefit comes from doing it. If you increase your understanding of some fundamental facts related to weight gain and weight loss, it will enable you to do the things that will result in permanent weight loss. Click the link on the line above to understand what happens in your body when you eat that causes you to gain weight.

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