How to keep losing weight

Jan 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

MOST people who embarked on a weight loss diet this New Year will be starting to feel the benefit and see the result, as the scales show that those pounds are starting to shift.

You get a really positive feeling from seeing that your hard work is paying off, but don’t expect too much.

A healthy weight loss of one to two pounds a week is much easier to maintain than dramatic weight loss. It is much safer too.

Q I have lost the weight I put on over Christmas and would like to keep getting my weight down, but I can’t afford to join a gym. What do you suggest?

A Remember to take every opportunity every day to add a little more activity into your daily routine – use the stairs whenever possible, at home, at work or even when you are shopping.

If you travel to work by car, park and stride, if you take the bus, get off a stop earlier. Think about what you can do to be more active and do it. Not only will the extra exercise help you to shed a few more pounds, it will also increase your fitness level, and help to reduce your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

The recommended amount of exercise for adults is 30 minutes a day at least five times a week. This is moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking. However if you are aiming to lose weight, you will need to increase the intensity and duration of your exercise a little. If you have been inactive for some time, consult your doctor before you begin and start slowly.

Q How much weight should I aim to lose? I heard sudden weight loss isn’t good for you.

A A pound a week is a great weight loss to aim for – this adds up to almost two stone in just six months. Make it a habit and you will keep the weight off as well as looking great, feeling good and having a healthier heart.