Shedding Pounds the Right Way

Step into the diet and weight loss section of the book store, and you could be lost in a world of get-thin-fast programs for hours. And ask most people on the street and they will tell you of diets involving juice fasts, raw foods only, eating like a caveman or French woman (take your pick!), or simply not eating at all.
 
For those who are uninterested in diet fads promising to shed pounds quick, tune into the following real-life tips from health experts who have seen it all in the game of weight loss. Soon, you will be saying goodbye to feasts of egg whites and chicken, and hello to a healthy way to lose weight.
 
*There is no one-size-fits-all weight loss program. An effective plan to lose weight, instead, is best determined by how comfortable a dieter feels with a program. Use the six-month rule: If you have met your goals after sticking to a plan for six months, then you have been making the right health decisions. If not, then it’s time to rethink your strategy.
 
*Busting your butt at the gym is not necessarily the best answer. Exercise has several health and emotional benefits, but it doesn’t make a world of difference when it comes to weight loss. Health experts say you can cut your food consumption by 500 to 1,000 calories starting right now, but it will take you much more time and effort to burn that many calories through exercise.
 
*Play the numbers game. The scale may have been demonized, but successful dieters say seeing that number helps you to stay focused. The same goes for food diaries and calorie-counting; keeping track of meals is a proven weight loss strategy. Just be sure you don’t become too numbers obsessed—relaxing the rules every now and then is OK!

Have you found a diet that works for you? Tell us about it.  [MSNBC]