Health Tip: Lose Weight, and Keep it Off

By
Diana Kohnle
October 28, 2008, 9:02 AM ET
1 min read

Oct. 29 -- (HealthDay News) -- Losing extra weight is the first step to better health. It's also important to keep those extra pounds from creeping back.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions:

  • Figure out what works for you -- what motivates you, which rewards you prefer, and which long-term habits you can maintain.
  • Be realistic about how much you can lose and how long it will take.
  • Pay attention to your calorie intake versus calories burned.
  • Use a pedometer to track your how much you walk each day.
  • Make a healthy shopping list -- and stick to it.
  • There's no need to weigh yourself every day -- once weekly is fine. Try measuring inches lost, instead of pounds.
  • Keep a record of the foods you eat, total calories, and exercise.
  • Plan ahead for special occasions such as holidays, and make up for the extra eating before and after.