Losing weight is more then just cutting foods out of our diets, and reducing calorie intake, although diets like us think otherwise. Without fully understanding how our bodies work, and why we gain weight, lose weight, and what our bodies do with food, we cannot begin to make the required lifestyle changes for long term weight loss. Just as an example, did you know that if you cut to many calories from your diet to quickly you will actually hold onto more body fat? When our bodies feel as they might be being starved we go into preservation mode, causing us to hold onto body fat as a reserve.

Don't be a salve to the diet

I know a lot of you that may have gone on diets before might dis-agree with me, but it's not all about the diet when you're attempting to lose weight. Diets in fact can contribute to the horrid yo-yo effect that so many dieters find themselves in.

When we go on a diet we in turn lose fat, how ever with that we also lose muscle unless we keep up or increase our exercise regime to build new muscle. This means we weigh less but are weaker over all. So when you're told to diet and exercise at the same time it's not just to help accelerate the weight loss it's to ensure you're health and safety as well.

Don't just lose fat Build Muscle as well

To keep things in check while you're following a weight loss plan you must ensure you're also exercising consistently. Basic cardio workouts are good, but getting into some higher impact activities that will help build up and maintain muscle mass is key. You don't need to go out and buy a home gym, but getting into a routine of walking and some of the activities we talk about next will help you burn off the fat, and maintain the muscle.

>Simple exercises are the answer

Exercises like pilates and yoga offer low impact, low cost advantages to exercising at home. While you might not think an activity like pilates can burn belly fat, trust me it can. The same goes for yoga. If you're someone who likes working out consider a home gym alternative such as a exercise band kit, or even aerobic workout video. I've always enjoyed walking/jogging, combined with some pilates and yoga you need to do what feels right for you and works.

Weight Loss doesn't happen over night

When we start something new like a diet, we often feel very motivated to make things happen. Our expectations are high (thanks to the diets claims) and we think it will only be a short matter of time til we go from zero to hero. A healthy plan doesn't work this way, and even those diets that claim to work quick can't deliver. When we don't see fast results our hope dwindles, and our efforts diminish. Develop a long term plan, and lifestyle changes and you're setting yourself up for long term weight loss success. No more yo-yo dieting, you'll be on the path to permanent weight loss.