As you grow older, you may have noticed that you have gained a bit more weight that you would have liked to. With a little bit of discipline and some adjustments to the way you eat and how much you exercise, you can say good-bye to that extra 5 or 10 lbs. within a month. Keep in mind that the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to make realistic changes that you maintain.
Step 1
Set a realistic weight loss goal for the month. Aim to lose between 5 or 10 lbs. You can always lose more later, but it’s best to start small.
Step 2
Eat a healthier diet. Add a piece of fruit to your daily breakfast in the place of your usual glass of orange juice. Skip the potato chips with your lunchtime sandwich and eat carrot sticks and cucumbers instead. Find a way to sneak a salad into your daily meal plan.
Step 3
Trade in less-healthy foods with healthier, lower-calorie ones. Replace your sugary, low-fiber cereal for a less-sweet, high-fiber one. Sprinkle berries or sliced bananas on top to add sweetness. Replace french fries with a baked sweet potato and switch full-fat dairy products, such as cheese and milk, with low-fat versions. You’ll lose the calories but not much in the way of taste.
Step 4
Sneak exercise into your daily routine. You can’t lose weight unless you use more calories than you consume. Go for a quick walk on your lunch break or see if you can take a yoga class. If you like to watch television, get your exercise in during the commercial breaks. Set up a stationary bike or treadmill by the television set, hop on and go for a sprint during breaks. You can also do jumping jacks, push-ups or crunches while commercials air.
