The Right Foods and Exercise to Lose Weight

I am often asked "What are the right foods and the right exercise to lose weight?"

And although there is no such thing as a universal one-size-fits-all diet and exercise program, there probably is a perfect plan for you.

That would be a diet with exactly the right quantities of foods you love and a workout plan which keeps you fit and energized while toning your muscles and maintaining your flexibility.

The thing is, if you had such a plan, would you stick with it?

If you have ever followed a diet and exercise program before why did you stray (and I KNOW you did - don't we all?

The problem is that life gets in the way. There are birthday parties and nights out with the girls (or guys). There are vacations and business trips. There are highly stressful weeks where you want to eat enough for a small country and go off exercising altogether (even though it would do you more good than ever to do it).

It's really best not to be too rigid in the plan you follow because then you are left without anything if you can't follow your plan for some reason.

I prefer to use a set of guiding principles which work whatever circumstances you find yourself in and not to have you worrying that you haven't managed to get to the store to buy whatever is on today's menu and thinking you may as well give up for the day/week.

What are the guiding principles I use for losing and maintaining weight?

Things like eating only when your hunger reaches a certain stage (but not waiting too long), eating food you love which also nourishes you too, keeping active without killing yourself at the gym (unless you love the gym), working on your motivation as well as your meals...

In fact there are quite a few which you need to gradually build into your life if you want to lose weight and stay slim forever without ever having to diet again.

If you want to know more take a look at my weight loss handbook which focuses on 24 essential principles or choose a weight loss program from the many around which advise changes to your lifestyle you can live with rather than meal plans  and 3 hour exercise sessions you almost certainly can't.

Comments

[julie]

Yes, I think flexibility is key. I just continue on, no matter what. I eat way too much on Thanksgiving, no guilt. I'll be at the gym in the morning, and a huge hike the next day. Feel the need to eat a piece of chocolate cake? If I REALLy want it, I'll eat it, and not worry about it. The weight loss is slow, but unidirectional. I don't freak out, eat everything in sight, gain 5 pounds, and get discouraged.

[Janice]

Thanks for your comment Julie.

I like your "Progress not Perfection" approach - you'll get there in the end

Janice
editor Think Slim