Best ways to lose weight

For many adults, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be a real struggle---one that often lasts a lifetime. Although most know the secret to weight lose is eating a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis, more adults are losing the battle. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2010 indicate 1-in-3 adults were obese. Many simply lack the tools, tips and knowledge needed to mount an assault on their weight problems.

The Extreme Health Dangers of Excess Abdominal Fat

Six Daily Meals

Eating six meals a day instead of the usual three is a more efficient way to consume daily calories, according to a study conducted in South Africa in 1999. The study found that your body would release less insulin, resulting in more consistent blood sugar levels throughout the day---keeping hunger pangs at bay. Therefore, instead of consuming a bowl of cereal and toast at breakfast, consider eating that toast as a snack several hours after breakfast

Water Works

Dietitians and other nutritional experts warn against consuming empty calories from juices, sodas and other beverages. Although it is fine to have a glass of juice with your breakfast, switch over to water for the rest of the day. The majority of Americans, according to Reader's Digest, take in an additional 245 calories per day from sodas---adding almost 90,000 additional calories, or 25 pounds per year.

Exercise Daily

Eating right and daily exercise are important bedfellows when it comes to weight loss. A healthy diet is a big factor in weight loss, but exercise maintains the gains you have made, so to speak. Select a cardiovascular exercise that works multiple muscle groups at the same time and increases heart rate. Biking, jogging and swimming are all good choices.

Change Daily Patterns

There are little things you do every day that can add additional, nonformal exercise to your daily routine. Consider taking the stairs whenever possible, both up and down, in public buildings. If you can run up and down them, better still. Practice parking your car far from your destination, such as the farthest parking spot from the mall entrance. Walk to your co-worker's workstation to deliver a message or have a conversation instead of using interoffice email. All of these items sound small, but they add up throughout the year, helping burn off more calories.

Consider Yoga

Lowering your stress levels through yoga, massage, acupuncture or any other stress busters will lower levels of cortisol. Doing so will mean your body will store less fat. Participating in an hour-long yoga class can burn 250 to 500 calories.