nationally known diet programs that sell like crazy. Yet, the number of overweight people continues to rise each year.
If you've had it with these fad diets, there is a simple weight loss approach that does work. Best of all, it won't cost you a penny to try. Unless you have a medical condition, such as a thyroid imbalance, the only reason you gain weight is because you consume more calories than you burn. It's as simple as that. When you eat fewer calories than you burn, it's inevitable that you'll lose weight.
Search online for any number of websites that contain charts showing the calorie content of foods. The most valuable sites will feature additional nutritional information, with figures on protein, sugars, fiber and carbohydrate content of various foods. Many of them also list specific name brands of processed or prepared foods. If you want to buy a calorie counter book instead, that's fine too. When you intend to lose weight, a good nutritional guide is another great addition to your bookshelf. Your local library will have numerous books on nutrition too.
Make your own spreadsheet showing the calorie content of foods you eat regularly. If possible, include vitamin and mineral content information as well. If you have any dietary restrictions due to health conditions, such as salt intake or vitamin deficiencies, highlight foods to avoid or promote in your personal diet.
When considering the calorie content of foods, be aware that some foods, especially ones high in fiber, sometimes require more calories to digest than is actually contained in the food! Bananas are just one example. So keep bananas in your diet if you enjoy them. Besides, fiber is good for your overall health as well.
Look for charts that show what a person of your build, height, and weight requires to maintain their current weight. Let's say you consume 2000 calories daily. You can cut your daily intake to 1200, which is a reduction of 40%. If you make your menus total no more than 1200 calories per day, you will definitely lose weight.
A good exercise regimen will speed up your weight loss and prevent loss of muscle tone and loose skin. There are charts which show the number of calories various forms of exercise burn per hour. Swimming, biking and other sports which use most of the muscles are best.
So there's the secret. Knowing the calorie content of foods, the advantages of high fiber foods, and getting plenty of exercise will produce remarkable long term weight loss results.