How much weight should you lose per week?

Balancing calories consumed and calories expended during daily activity is the most important factor in weight management. Evidence suggests that it is healthier to maintain a small weight loss, rather than repeatedly taking off and put on weight (yo-yo dieting).

Most experts recommend a weight loss of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week.
This can be achieved with a moderate decrease in calories consumed ( no more than 500 per day) and moderate increase in exercise ( burning approximately 500 calories per day). This method should provide gradual, healthy weight loss.

One pound of fat = 3,500 calories.

Reducing daily calorie intake by 250 calories and expending 250 calories per day exercising would result in a loss of approximately one pound per week.
However, severe caloric restriction may reduce metabolism, making weight loss more difficult.

Try these tips for weight loss success:
* Keep a food / activity journal
*Plan meals and snacks (if you fail to plan you plan to fail)
*Seek a healthy support network ( a training partner or join a class)
*Develop a healthy reward system (not food!!!!- a massage, pedicure, new clothes)
*Avoid negative self talk (pat yourself on the back after a tough workout!)
*Commit to a healthy lifestyle ( not just for a few weeks to look good at a special event!)