Bookmark & Share

Print Article

Successful Weight Loss

How is weight loss achieved?

Your energy expenditure must be more than your energy intake in order for weight loss to be achieved. The daily recommended intake of calories for a woman is 2,000 and for a man 2,500.

In order to lose 1 pound of body fat your body must burn 3,500 calories. At rest your body burns 1,800 calories (average person) and these calories usually come from the diet. So if you normally consume approximately 2,000 calories a day and you reduce your intake by 500 calories per day, in seven days your body should have burnt off one pound of body fat. The degree with which you reduce your calorie intake compared to what you would usually eat, will determine how much weight you lose. A realistic target is 1 to 2 pounds per week. It is important to that your weight loss is at a steady rate if you are to keep the weight off long term.

Tips to eat healthy & aid weight loss

• Eat breakfast


• Cut down your total fat intake


• Reduce how much sugar you eat


• Cut down on salt


• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 - 2 drinks a week (normal measures)


• Eating more fruit and vegetables


• Avoid snacking


• Drink water instead of fruit juices


• Having smaller portion sizes