Diet, exercise, and losing weight

A sensible diet can help you lose weight by reducing the amount of calories you eat. Exercise can help you lose weight by increasing the calories you burn. However, the most effective plan is one that combines both dieting and exercise. People who exercise regularly tend to shed weight more rapidly and keep it off more easily. Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, and bicycling burn calories while you move and also boost your metabolism for some time afterward. Experts recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day on most days of the week. The more strenuous the exercise, the more calorie-burning benefits you'll receive. However, even light to moderate activity can burn some fat and help raise your metabolism. Along with aerobic exercise, you should engage in a muscle-building activity like lifting weights or using fitness machines. The higher your percentage of muscle to fat, the higher your metabolism will be. By adding aerobic exercise and strength training, you'll be able to lose or maintain your weight without the need for unhealthy 'starvation' diets.