15 Surefire Ways To Lose Weight

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From Shane Idleman's new book What Works When "Diets" Don't "A short-term experience or diet cannot solve a long-term problem," he says. "If somebody has to battle weight for the rest of their life, a three-month diet won't fix the problem, nor will a six-month diet. Once you find a healthy routine, the key is sticking with it. Accept the fact that you're going to have setbacks. And then take the necessary steps to prevent slips. Here are 15 ways you can make sure your healthy lifestyle stays on track:

1. When you begin to exercise expect to hit a wall from time to time within the first 5 to 10 minutes. You may feel like quitting, but don't. Many times your energy level will dramatically improve within a few minutes and you'll finish your workout with energy to spare. 2. The busier you stay throughout the day (i.e. working, cleaning, running errands, etc.) the less likely you'll be to snack or splurge. The solution: move more, sit less. Immediately following a meal, stay busy somewhere other than the kitchen if possible. 3. Be prepared with high energy, low-fat snacks (i.e. soy nuts, low-fat cottage cheese, half a tuna sandwich with light mayo). These types of snacks are less likely to cause additional hunger and will satisfy you until it's time to eat again. 4. Avoid diet drinks. Diet drinks -- and other products that contain artificial sweeteners -- can often dehydrate and they will eventually sap energy. Idleman, like many others, fears there could be even other health risks associated with these super popular products. He says eliminating these products can increase long-term energy and decrease overall appetite. 5. If you feel hungry an hour or two after eating, snack on a piece of fruit. This will help offset your hunger until your next meal. Also, get involved with an activity to take your mind off food. 6. Plan daily meals whenever possible. Pre-planned means prepared. Knowing what to eat and having it available will help you avoid reaching for just anything when hungry. Pack a cooler with snacks and meals. This will help you stay within your caloric range and make it less likely you'll stray at the corner convenience store or fast food joint. 7. If you fail to eat properly for a day or two in a row, don't worry. Simply start the following day with a new, forward-moving attitude. Check your refrigerator and cupboards. Do you need to add wholesome foods or subtract harmful ones? Within a few weeks expect to repeat the process again. The key is to begin to make more right choices than wrong ones. 8. Read reputable health and fitness magazines... often. This will help keep your knowledge and motivation on track. 9. When possible, walk, jog or hike outside. Going 15 to 20 minutes in one direction means you have no other choice but to go 15 to 20 minutes back in the other direction. Use fitness facilities for resistance training because they offer many types of equipment, as well as the availability of personal trainers. 10. When exercising, choose tapes or CDs that motivate and increase your knowledge. These can include business briefings, spiritual lectures and other educational material when exercising. 11. Avoid buying food that you'll be tempted to eat. Rid your home of unhealthy treats, sugary breakfast cereals, salty chips and other tempting foods. Out of sight, out of mind. In time, you'll lose much of your desire for these foods. 12. Schedule exercise with your other important daily activities. Prioritize. Put first things first. Nothing is more important than your health. 13. "Persistence" and "moving forward despite setbacks" are your most valuable tools! Although many diet books and magazine articles contain helpful information about weight loss, they are not the answer in themselves. Persistence, correct information, and exercising your ability to move forward regardless of your circumstances are your most successful tools in losing weight. 14. Use wisdom. Do not believe claims such as, "It only takes a few minutes a day" or "You can consume whatever foods you want, just take pill X before or after eating" or "Lose all the weight you want while you sleep!" These types of claims develop a false perception about weight loss for consumers. Again, use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 15. Begin by listing everything you eat. Jot down what you eat throughout the day. You'll be amazed to find out how many extra calories those small snacks add. Most people underestimate their daily food intake by 40 percent. If you consume more energy (calories) than what your body needs, you'll store them as fat. Simply eliminating thoughtless snacks can help you lose 15 pounds in six months. Yes, a little change can make a big difference.

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