Want Foolproof Weight Loss?

Americans are getting fatter. Recent statistics indicate that fully one third of Americans are now overweight. This fact should be shocking, but an overweight condition has become so prevalent that we’re apparently no longer paying attention. While there are dozens of nationally known diet programs, the number of overweight people continues to rise, year after year.

If you’ve had it with these fad diets, there is a simple weight loss approach that works. Its simple, and best of all, it won’t cost you a penny to give it a try. Unless you have a medical condition, such as a thyroid imbalance, you gain weight only because you consume more calories than you burn. It’s as simple as that. When you eat fewer calories than you burn, weight loss is the inevitable result.

My old algebra teacher would write it something like this:

Calories Burned > Calories Consumed = Weight Loss

Look online for any number of websites that contain charts showing the calorie content of foods. The most valuable sites will have additional nutritional information, with figures on protein, sugars, fiber and carbohydrate content. Many also list specific name brands of processed or prepared foods. If you want to buy a calorie counter book, that’s fine too. When you intend to lose weight, a good nutritional guide is another good addition to your bookshelf. Your local library has numerous books on nutrition too.

Make your own spreadsheet showing the calorie content of foods you eat most often. If possible, include number of protein, carbohydrate and fat grams, as well as vitamin and mineral content information. If you have dietary restrictions due to health conditions, such as salt intake or vitamin deficiencies, highlight foods to avoid and those to promote in your personal diet.

When considering the calorie content of foods, be aware that some foods, especially high-fiber foods, sometimes require more calories to digest than is contained in the food! Bananas are a good example. So don’t count bananas out of the picture if you enjoy them. Besides, fiber is good for your overall health.

Look for charts that show what a person of your build, height and weight requires to maintain your current weight. Let’s say you need 2000 calories daily. You can cut your daily intake to 1200, which is a 40% reduction. If you make your menus total no more than 1200 calories per day, you will lose weight.

A good exercise regimen will accelerate your weight loss and prevent loss of muscle tone and saggy skin. There are charts which show the number of calories various forms of exercise burn during an hour of activity. Swimming, biking and running are all great exercises. One of the best exercises for weight loss is weight lifting, which will continue to burn calories for hours after the actual exercise. Remember to check with your physician before you begin any exercise program.

So there you have the secret. Knowing the calorie content of foods, the advantages of high fiber foods and getting plenty of exercise will produce remarkable long term results.