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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.

Date Last Reviewed: 10/28/2008
Date Last Modified: 10/28/2008