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| Strategies for Success |  The key to managing weight throughout life is a positive attitude and the right kind of motivation. Such motivators as health, increased energy, self-esteem, and personal control enlarge your chances for lifelong weight management success.
Strategy 1: You have to make health, not appearance, your weight management priority. Set up a realistic goal. It will help to achieve a healthy weight.
Strategy 2: Concentrate on a healthy eating style, not on “dieting”. As a rule, dieting usually lasts for only the short term and seldom produces long-term success.
Strategy 3: When you are eating for good health and for controlling weight are virtually the same things. Following a healthful eating plan that includes a variety of food choices from the Food Guide Pyramid can accomplish both purposes.
You can feel full with the suggested number of servings from each food group: 6 to 11 servings of bread, rice, cereal, or pasta, 2 to 3 servings of fruits, 3 to 5 servings of vegetables, 2 to 3 servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese, and 5 to 7 ounces of lean meat, fish, poultry, or meat alternatives such as eggs, dried beans, peanut butter, or nuts.
The quantity of servings you need depends upon your age, gender, activity level, and weight loss goals.
Strategy 4: People who are physically active are more likely to lose extra pounds. A physically active lifestyle offers many benefits in addition to weight management, such as heart health, strong bones, and stress relief. For weight management, specialists recommend a combined total of 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days per week.
Concentrate on increasing daily physical activity, rather than setting unrealistic “exercise” goals. Choose an activity that you enjoy and are likely to continue. Before starting any exercise program, be sure to consult your doctor.
Your weight management plan should include
- a variety of foods from all five major groups in the Food Guide Pyramid;
- foods you will enjoy eating for the rest of your life, not just a couple weeks or months;
- foods available at the supermarket where you usually shop;
- your favorite foods you can eat in moderation;
- regular physical activity.
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