Losing weight can be really simple and easy if you follow the energy equation. This equation states that the weight gained/loosed = calories consumed-calories burnt. SO in order to lose weight you must either eat less or exercise more. It really is that simple and easy. Let’s look at how we can put that quotation to use:

Make sure that you consume less than you burn

One of the most common ways of losing weight is by decreasing your food intake. It is not necessary to reduce your calories drastically – a 500 calorie deficit will be enough to lose a pound a week. Losing any more than that will be unhealthy. Here are some tips to help you consume fewer calories:

• Control portion sizes – Stick to portion sizes and don’t overeat.
• Choose healthy foods – Choose healthy foods over unhealthy food and prepare it with a healthy way like grilling or steaming.
• Preparation is key – Plan your meals before hand and if you are eating meals away from home rather pack your own healthier versions to take with you.
• Drink enough water – Drink lots of water to ensure that you stay hydrated and don’t confuse your first for hunger.
• Avoid refined sugar – Such sugars are laden with empty calories and they may give you cravings
• Avoid saturated fat – Saturated fat should be limited in your normal diet, when you want to lose weight; you have to avoid it altogether.
• Limit your alcohol intake – Don’t drink more than 3 units of alcohol a week. They contain much more calories than you think.
• Snack smart – Include nuts, fruit, whole wheat crackers, high protein bars and a small tub of fat free yogurt.

Burn more calories than you consume

Exercising will help you to burn some of those calories. Here is how you can implement it:

• Planning -Plan before hand what exercises you are going to do and also decide and when you want to get your workouts in.
• Cardio – You should aim to get about 2 cardio workouts in of about 20 minutes each.
• Weight train – Training with weights is very important as weight training burns calories even in your sleep.
• Invest in a Pilates machine – The pilates machine is great for strenghtening the core and toning the whole body.
• Free exercise -Try to get as much “free exercises in. These includes walking your dog, taking the stairs instead of the lift and playing with your kids more often

If you implement only one part of the equation in your daily life, you will start seeing a difference but if you include both parts of the equation you will maximize your chances of weight loss. Just have some motivation handy – your reasons for wanting to lose weight. Reviewing that reasons regularly will make sure that you stick to your goals.