How can I get slim?

The simple answer is to eat less and exercise more but this is easier said than done. If you want to be slim it is better to think in the long term. Crash diets and fad diets are best avoided. They may produce short term results but any weight lost is generally quickly regained.

There are a number of steps that you need to take if you want to get slim. First of all you need to assess your current eating habits. Look at how much food you are eating, when you eat it, what you eat and why. Highlight the foods that you think are less healthy. Look at the reasons why you are eating. Is it because you are hungry or is it out of habit?

The next step is to set a target to aim for. This can be a number of inches off your hips or waist or a target weight goal. Remember to set realistic targets and aim for a gradual loss of weight of about 2-3 pounds per week. Weight loss by this method is far more likely to be permanent than weight lost through crash or fad diets.

The next thing to think about is how you will get thin. What foods will you eat? What exercise will you do? If you have set yourself a daily diet, is it easy to follow? Think about what exercise you can fit in to your daily routine. All of these exercises will burn off 300 calories: 30 minute jog, 26 minute bike ride, a fast walk for 52 minutes and 33 minutes of weight training.

When you start your new program of diet and exercise it is important not to make too many changes all at once as you will be less likely to keep them up.

Finally it is important to keep yourself motivated. Losing weight can be hard work but remember to think positively. Don’t moan about the fact that you only lost one pound this week.

celebrate it!