Body Mass Index

     Have you worked your buns off on an exercise regimen, only to wonder why some of those stubborn pounds won't come off? It may have to do with what's on your plate. Just by changing the way you eat, you can see better and more immediate results in how you look and feel.

Eating Right
     Exercise is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to losing weight the healthy way. Your diet also has a lot to do with your ability to shed pounds without resorting to dangerous fads or shortcuts. After all, you can't maintain a diet laden in fat, sugars and salts and expect to lose weight. What you eat has a bearing on your weight as well as your energy levels and overall health.

     Sticking to fruits, vegetables, nonfat dairy products, fish and skinless poultry goes a long way towards successful weight loss, plus you'll also receive a host of other health benefits from these foods. Swapping out sugary and high-calorie soft drinks with water and 100-percent fruit juices also helps. Curtailing your consumption of starches, artificial and refined sugars and salt reduces fluid retention, resulting in a short-term five-pound loss while reducing heart-related illnesses in the long run.

     Portion control is also a big factor. Pass up on second helpings and enjoy smaller portions of the foods you love. You'll take in fewer calories and have less fat stored in your body to burn off. Also avoid snacking in between meals, as it's a great way of losing track of what you've eaten.

Tips for Losing Weight
    The following should help you get on the road to a great diet and pave the way for a slimmer shape:

1. Start with gradual changes to your diet. It's the small changes that make a big difference. Cutting out an extra cookie or biscuit could result in a five-pound loss over a year.
2. Use the foods you love to your advantage. If you love dairy products, find ways to substitute ingredients for healthy alternatives. For instance, swapping whole milk for semi-skimmed milk is one way of lose weight without sacrificing the foods you love.
3. Drink plenty of water, since it's easy for the average person to become dehydrated without even noticing. This also has a negative effect on your weight loss efforts.
4. Avoid skipping meals. Skipping a meal or two in hopes of shedding pounds that way actually throws your body into starvation mode, where it slows down your metabolism and hoard calories. This causes you to gain weight instead.
5. Don't hesitate to keep track of the foods you eat with a food journal. It's a great way of staying accountable for your diet while tracking your weight loss.
6. Losing weight isn't just about staying in shape through constant exercise and physical activity. Eating healthy plays a big role in maintaining a healthier you. Combining the two will do wonders for your physique whether you're just trying to shed a few pounds or if you have bigger goals in mind.