In order to succeed at weight loss there are certain strategies you must employ. Unfortunately a haphazard approach just won’t work in the long term. As anyone who has lost weight only to regain it a short while later can tell you, there is more to this battle than it seems on the surface.

Tracking and Counting -

It may just be the most boring thing in the world, but tracking your food and counting calories actually works. People generally underestimate their calorie consumption by 20% if they are thin, but 40% if they are overweight. Clearly, this is a significant factor in weight control.

It may not be glamorous but the cheapest and easiest way to track your eating is to use a pad and pencil. If you have a liking for gadgets there are certainly many options as well. For the truly high tech there are Apps that can be downloaded to smart phones. These Apps often contain more than 200,000 food items making tracking remarkably portable and easy.

Make Time for Exercise but not for Weight Loss -

The newest research indicates that exercise, in and of itself, does not lead to weight loss. The findings also demonstrate that those who exercise regularly, as defined by at least 60-90 minutes a day, five days a week, are at less risk for obesity related illnesses. Exercise has many benefits even if increased weight loss isn’t one of them; in fact people who exercise more often tend to eat more in general.


While it isn’t necessary to set aside over an hour to exercise daily, frequent bouts of moderate intensity activities seem to decrease the odds of developing Type II Diabetes, heart disease and cognitive impairments as you age. Exercise also releases endorphins that make you feel better; people who feel good don’t tend to overeat as much.

Talk to Your Doctor -

This may seem cliche, but your doctor can be your best ally in the fight against a spreading waistline. Not only can your doctor provide encouragement and the name of a good nutritionist, if needed they can prescribe medications that help control appetite. Knowing that someone will hold you accountable for your efforts is remarkably helpful when trying to maintain focus on something as difficult as weight loss.

Set Realistic Goals and Reward Yourself -

Perhaps the most difficult thing to do is to set realistic goals. It is tempting to say “I am going to lose 100 pounds before summer.” The reality is that such a goal is unattainable. It is better to set the goal of 10 pounds and reach it than choosing your final destination as your only target.

As you reach each small goal reward yourself with something you enjoy. Purchase a new CD, try a new class or perhaps plan a night out with friends. Celebrate your success and then set a new goal, you will find a segmented approach is more manageable.

Weight loss is incredibly difficult to achieve. There is no part of the process that is glamorous. The end result, however, is a healthier you, and that is well worth the effort.

HealthSource would like to present you with a limited time complimentary consultation, a $179.00 value. To Find the closest chiropractic office near you, go to http://www.HealthSourceOfSpringfield.com or call 1-888-977-6734 today.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!