With all the various types of diets that claim to drop the pounds, how do we know which diet is healthy, safe, and most effective?  The first thing to remember is that there is no "Magic" diet around.  The key to losing weight is to eat healthy and take part in physical activity.

A diet is generally thought of as a temporary change in life habits to drop the extra pounds.  Making temporary changes will only open the door to allowing the weight to creep back on.  Why not make life changes that will be part of your everyday life for the rest of your life.  Perhaps this new way of thinking is needed to help drop that extra weight and keep it off, allowing a healthier you! 

The first step in making dietary and physical changes is doing a self assessment.  First calculate your body mass index (BMI). Body mass index is used as an indicator of body fatness. Click on the appropriate link to calculate your BMI:

As well, write down everything you eat for a few days and review it to see where your downfalls are.  Is it a chocolate attack in the afternoon, and extra helping at the dinner table or the late night ice cream craving?  Also, look at what physical activity you are doing.  Do you need to start an exercise plan, exercise more, or simply find the time to exercise?  This self look will allow you to see where improvements need to be made.  Additionally, talk with you doctor regarding your desire to eat healthier and start an exercise plan.

Next create an eating and exercise plan.  (Consult your doctor before making any dietary or physical activity changes.) Plan to eat foods that are the most nutritionally rich foods from each food group each day.  Eat foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other healthy nutrients but that are lower in calories.  Try to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.  Create your meal plan for a day the night before; or create a whole week of meal plans.  This will cut down on eating unhealthy or grabbing fast food because it is quicker than deciding what to eat and making it.  Exercise to raise your heart rate, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week.  Slowly increase the intensity and amount of time you exercise.

Start acting on your plan with excitement and energy.  By making some life changes, you are clearing the path for a healthier and happier life.

***Information gathered from Center for Disease Control