Funny, the best way to lose weight hadn’t even hit the radar. We get so busy living our lives and taking care of all our responsibilities that we forget about the one thing that is critical to our ability to continue on. Our bodies! To quote Jim Rohn, "Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live." Yet, it seems to be such a low priority until one day we wake up, look in the mirror and say, "OMIGOD! What happened to you?" Then we thrash about frantically looking for the best way to lose weight, to get back to a time where we didn’t feel compelled to leave our shirt tails untucked.

Ok, so some of us have neglected ourselves but, for some of us, the problems started when we chose the wrong parents – it’s a genetic thing. That doesn’t mean we have to accept what we have become. In most cases we can, and should, do something about it. There is overwhelming evidence that excessive weight leads to a variety of health problems including: coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, high blood pressure, stroke, and many more. So let’s not wait until we croak and land with our faces in the dinner plate. Let’s find the best way to lose weight and let’s start now!

What can we do? That depends on individual circumstances. In our search to find the best way to lose weight we should start with something that we will be more inclined to stick with. The best way to lose weight is very personal and it should incorporate three basic tenets of a healthy program: muscle and cardio-vascular conditioning, nutrition and weight loss.

Muscle and cardio-vascular conditioning: In a humorous observation by Joey Adams, "If it weren’t for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn’t get any exercise at all". Don’t think you have to start out running marathons or bench pressing twice your weight. If you can great, but then, you wouldn’t be reading this. Walking and running are both good. I had never thought of myself as a runner but an older brother convinced me I should try. My first time out, I ran a - whole - block without stopping. Man, was I out of shape. I’d walk a block, run a block, walk a block, etc. I gradually eliminated the walking and got so I was running several miles at a time and loved it.

Now, don’t misunderstand me. Running is not the best way to lose weight for everyone nor is it the best option. Running is great but, it has its downside. It’s high impact. Some folks can tolerate it but for others it can wreak havoc on the joints – particularly the knees. If you are really overweight, stick with walking. Your joints will thank you. I would also recommend the stair master or elliptical machines. These will give you a good workout, make you sweat (always a good sign) and get your heart healthy.

In addition to heart health, it’s also important to get and keep the muscles toned. I’m not talking about bulging muscles here. If you’re young and want bulging muscle there are weight lifting programs to accomplish that. Otherwise, what you want to do is a combination of exercises and/or light weights.

"I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing." Marsha Doble

Sit-ups, push-ups, squats, side bends, twists, etc. are all good. As you progress, you can incorporate hand weights in your routine. One thing to keep in mind as you engage in toning your muscles – muscles burn fat! As you increase your muscle density (toning or bulking), the fat goes away at a faster rate. Exercise is a vital component of the best way to lose weight.

"A mans health can be judged by which he takes two at a time – pills or stairs." Joan Welsh.

Nutrition is the other tenet which must be considered.

"I’ve been on a diet for two weeks and all I’ve lost is fourteen days", Totie Fields.

I’m sure we’ve all dieted only to feel the frustration of temporary success. It’s not easy but if you want the best way to lose weight, it must include a nutrition plan. Do you realize you only have to cut out 300-500 calories a day out of your current diet to lose almost a pound a week? That’s the equivalent of a bagel. Take that out of your routine and you’ve got it made. But you want to know what the real magic is? Stop eating until you’re full. Leave the table a few bites before being full and tell yourself you’ve had enough. Tell your brain you’ll snack on something in a couple of hours. Then in a couple of hours have some baby carrots or celery or other vegetable. What I like to do is eat a light dinner, because I don’t want to spoil my treat, then later, I have my treat - a small bowl of frozen fruit. I get bags of it from Costco. There are bags of blueberries (full of anti-oxidants), strawberries, and other types of berry and fruit mixes. I eat them right out of the freezer. It’s kind of like a candy treat – that’s good for me. Remember, a small bowl.

I hope this gives you some ideas on what will be your next move to a healthier you. If you’ve read this far, I know you’re serious and can do it.