How to Lose Weight

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By WordWhizKid
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Lose Weight

Are you tired of not being able to fit into your old clothes? Sick of arm jiggles, belly rolls, or just plain feeling out of shape? Before you run out and buy into the latest "lose weight quick" scheme, try these simple tips to lose weight and feel great:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Comfortable exercise clothes
Healthy food
Determination

Step 1

Get movin! Contrary to the wild diet claims that you can lose weight doing nothing more than swallowing a pill or eating cranberries, it is nearly impossible (and not healthy) to lose much weight without exercising. Exercise is a healthy way to rev up your metabolism, burn calories and improve your heart health. So make it a habit to do aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Do something you enjoy like walking, running, swimming or biking. If it's too much at once, build up to 30 minutes a day.
Step 2

Don't eat out. Everyone knows that fast food is bad but it will really hit you if you go to each restaurant's Web site and look up the nutrition facts for the items you usually order. You'll be surprised to see that not only fast food is unhealthy, but many places that claim to be healthy or seem to be ok are not. For instance, I was shocked to learn that my favorite veggie sub at Quizno's has 1,220 calories and 75 grams of fat! So always check before you do eat anywhere and for your best bet, eat at home or just order a side item if you must go out.
Step 3

Psyche yourself up. It's hard to change harmful eating habits if you are overwhelmed with negative thoughts. Focus on how you want to look and feel and hang up pictures of yourself at your ideal size or find pictures of healthy looking (note: most models are not a healthy standard) people and make a collage. Add inspiring words and put it somewhere you'll see it a lot, like your bathroom mirror or by your bed. When you feel bad or unmotivated, imagine how happy and strong you will feel when you are healthy and remember that many people can and do lose weight so it's not impossible.
Step 4

You are what you eat. Choose the healthiest, freshest food you can find. Shop at farmer's markets for inexpensive and fresh fruits and vegetables. Snack on these when hunger strikes. The sugar in fruit can be very tasty and is much healthier than addictive refined sugars. Wean yourself off processed food gradually and learn to cook healthy recipes by revising your old ones or find new ones online. Pretty soon, you won't miss the old junk.
Step 5

Reward yourself! Make realistic goals and write them down. Give youself a reward when you reach each one. Buy yourself that dress you've been wanting, go out to the movies, or take an afternoon off to relax. Tell yourself how great you look and feel. Revel in your accomplishment.