Battling The Bulge

North American's seem to be losing the battle against weight gain. Why is there such a struggle with weight loss and keeping it off?

The diet industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and they want to keep it that way. Is it possible that the diets and miracle pills that are supposed to make you thin are actually made to set you up to fail?

There are hundreds of diets out there all claiming a quick weight loss, and there are certainly too many to list. I know that if you were to think of three people, I'm sure two were on some form of diet within the last three months. And, I'm also pretty sure that the diet was probably lacking in vitamins, minerals, calories and fiber.

To guarantee a rapid weight loss, most diets restrict calories. This is not a wise practice for the long term. Many women regularly go below 1200 calories a day to help them lose weight. This is a pretty low number, considering your body generally needs this amount just perform bodily functions like breathing, your heart pumping blood through your body and organs performing their tasks. Put in even the smallest activity and you require some extra calories.

Now that being said, that doesn't mean you need to go to your favourite restaurant and order a large plate of fries. North American's over eat and don't move enough, so the need for regular exercise and balanced nutrition is more important than ever.

Let me be frank. There is no quick fix, and if someone tells you there is, they are only concerned about getting your money, not about helping you achieve your weight loss goals.

I know how hard it is to lose weight. I don't have a naturally high metabolism and after the birth of my three girls my excess weight didn't just fall off (like it did with some of my friends-I wasn't that fortunate!)

It takes careful planning of all your meals and regular, consistent exercise. If you begin eliminating entire food groups, you generally rob your body of important vitamins and minerals.

So what's the trick to weight loss?

No trick. Slow and steady wins the race!

Forget the quick results or no exercise needed plans and begin your very own personal health plan today. All you need is a pen and paper and some determination. Start by making a weekly menu. Write down what you will eat each day and what exercise you will perform. Remember it doesn't have to be fancy. A good walk will do wonders.

I will give you a hint to "faster" weight loss. Eliminate sugar from your diet. If you write down everything you eat and drink for 1-2 days, you will be amazed how much of it contains refined sugar. sugar is a silent killer that not only causes weight gain but many other health problems.

So if you're looking for a place to start, start with sugar--and get rid of it!

As you make small, consistent changes to your diet and exercise routine, you will see the desired changes you want.

Consistency is key. Keep with it, I know you can do it. You will have more energy, look great and feel amazing knowing you made and kept your health and fitness goals.

Kelly Parker is an ACE and Can-Fit Pro certified fitness professional and has been helping people reach their health and fitness goals for over 11 years.

Visit http://www.how-to-get-fit.com to learn more on how to burn fat and get the toned body you've been striving for.