How to Lose Weight

I write this site not only as a sports scientist and nutritionist, but also from first hand experience. I have gone through the process of losing weight ( about me ). Twice in fact so I know what it is like to be overweight and what it takes to lose weight. I practiced what I preach in the following pages so I know it works.

The little story I relate on the home page is true and I must admit it does irritate me when I see people doing these stupid fad diets. In truth, that diet is not going to cause this woman any serious harm. It takes longer than seven days to do long-term damage to your body. However, this diet was never going to work. Only a tiny proportion of the weight she lost was fat. Most of the weight she lost was just water (dehydration) caused by eating such an unhealthy diet. Unfortunately, some of the weight loss will have been muscle tissue and that is why it was inevitable that she would not only regain the weight she lost but also put on more.

It does frustrate me to see people trying these fad solutions for their weight problem. There is no quick fix solution - please believe me. Losing weight is not that difficult but above all else, it does take time. After all, it probably took you years to put the weight on and it is easier to gain weight than to lose it.

I will try to write these pages in simple yet persuasive terms. I will try to keep it simple because I don't want to drive readers away by making it all sound too scientific. If you want to lose weight then I want to persuade you to follow what I preach in these pages. If I can stop one person from doing the cabbage soup diet then my time has been well spent.

I am certainly not a health fanatic. I enjoy a good night out. I love my food and I do have a soft spot for beer, chocolate and ice cream. I know it is difficult to diet. However, I also like being fit and I do not like being overweight. It is all a question of getting the balance right. Balancing the foods and drinks I enjoy with the foods I know are good for me. Balancing the calories I eat against the amount of exercise I do.

I will not tell you that your body is a temple or any of that nonsense. I will not tell you to stop enjoying your life. There is no point in losing weight if it makes your life miserable. However, your body is the most important thing you have and it makes sense to take care of it. You will enjoy life more and feel better about yourself if you are healthy and a good weight.

You will need to make a few sacrifices while you diet and a few adjustments to your lifestyle when you finish. If you do it right then it will not be painful and you will look better and feel better.

Next: Setting Targets