POINTERS Shedding excess pounds

Ignore the numbers: Instead of keeping track of the weight on the scale and the size of your pants, keep track of how you feel. Can you climb stairs, play with children, walk the dog and clean the house without feeling fatigued?
Avoid fad diets: A diet that helps you lose 10 pounds fast only takes away fluids from your body, not fat; the weight returns quickly when the diet is over. Any diet that asks you to avoid eating any one food group denies your body the nutrients it need to stay healthy.
Learn healthy eating habits: Follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's food pyramid, eating mostly grains, fruits and vegetables and less meat and dairy products. Use fats and sweets sparingly.
Watch portion sizes: One serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards; a medium piece of fruit is the size of a tennis ball; an ounce of cheese is about the size of four dice; a teaspoon of butter is the size of the tip of your thumb.
Take notes: Use a food journal to record everything you eat for a day and reveal your habits. The candies from that dish on your co-worker's desk and other snacks can add up to lots of unhealthy eating.
Move: Exercise more. A good start to an exercise regimen is walking. If it's too cold outside, go to the mall. Find a "buddy" to encourage you. If you have been sedentary for a long time, even 10 minutes a day is progress. Anyone with health problems should clear an exercise program with their physicians before starting.
XSource: Bridget Lackey, program director of the Slim Down program at St. Elizabeth Health Center