Weight Loss Basics
How does weight loss happen?
It's all about the Rule of Energy Balance. To lose weight, you must take in fewer calories than your body burns. This forces your body to burn from its fat store for needed energy.
For healthy weight loss
Lower your calorie intake. Go for nutrient-rich foods.
Increase your calorie burn. Be more physically active.
Why is what you eat and drink important?
To stay active and thrive while losing extra pounds, you need good nutrition.
Choose:
Veggies, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
To limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Weight loss can be hard if you're getting the bulk of your calories from pizza, brownies, and beer.
Why is moving and being active important?
Let's face it, being inactive can leave you feeling low, slow, even weak. And if you're not active and burning calories, cutting enough calories to lose weight is hard to do!
But when you get your body moving, it's like revving up an engine. Your body gets better at burning fuel. And it runs better. You feel better!
Exercise burns more calories, so you can eat more calories. This gives you more freedom to eat a variety of foods. You can even sneak in a treat now and then.
What are the secrets to weight loss success?
To achieve success:
Commit to your own good health. Put your weight loss at the top of your priority list.
Set goals and plan your program.
Make food and exercise changes one step at a time.
Learn from what doesn't work, and revise as you go.
Goal of the day
Start tracking what and how much you eat and drink.
At your next snack or meal, start jotting it all down. You'll soon put this info to good use!