Health Tip: Lose Weight, and Keep it Off

(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.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Oct. 28, 2008

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