Healthy Weight Loss Program
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Starting a Healthy Weight Loss Program

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Amogn all the things going on in your life - work, taking care of the kids, household chores, etc. - who has time to think about planning a healthy diet? The answer is simpler than you think. You do! These helpful hints will show you how to cut corners (as well as calories) so that planning for a healthy diet is simple and following a healthy weight loss program is easier for you.

How to Develop a Healthy Weight Loss Program

Many people have a hard time determining what their healthy weight should be. Use the Healthy Weight Estimator to help you find your ideal weight range. These ranges are based on BMI (body mass index) values that have been set by the National Institutes of Health. Keep in mind, a BMI measurement isn't an accurate prediction of overweight or health problems for the following groups:

If you're in one of the groups listed above, your ideal weight may be higher than what we calculate. Go with what seems reasonable to you. If you're currently pregnant, you shouldn't try to lose weight. 

Using the BMI Calculator and a dose of common sense, you can decide on your ideal weight range. From that, you can determine how much weight you would like to lose. 

How to Begin a Healthy Weight Loss Program

Now that you know how much weight you need to lose, you might be thinking, "Well, I've tried to lose weight before and it hasn't worked," or "It's not too hard to lose a few pounds, but then I gain it right back." 

Is it really possible to lose weight and keep it off? Absolutely. Almost everyone who is a bit overweight can safely maintain a 10- to 20- pound weight loss. If you're seriously overweight (most people don't think of themselves as "obese" even if they are), you can start off slowly and lose weight over time. In fact, in a study of successful "losers" -- people who lost an average of 66 pounds and kept the weight off for at least five years -- researchers found that even people with the most stubborn weight problems were able to slim down.

What can you do to start a healthy weight loss program successfully?

Remember that when it comes down to it, your healthy weight loss program is based on self-care.  Use it to treat yourself well and enjoy wellness over the long term. Thinking short-term will only hold you back but making a priority of your health and wellness will improve your longevity and your quality of life for years to come.