Yes, it is really possible, but it isn't easy. Do not waste time or money ordering any quick loss promises. They are all just hype. The weight loss formula is the same as it has always been.
Calories in must be balanced by calories spent. Taking in more than you can "spend" results in weight gain. Eating less than you metabolize, results in weight loss!
So why doesn't dieting work? Many of us do not burn calories, because we lead sedentary lives. For example, a walk to the hospital from the parking lot and down the hospital hall feels like walking, but it is only about 400 feet.
A mile is 5,280 feet. (12 city blocks). One half mile is 2,640 feet. One quarter of a mile is 1,320 feet.
At my height and weight, walking 400 feet burns approximately 27 calories! There are roughly 200 calories in one cookie (a "healthy" oatmeal and raisin one).
Through basic metabolism--the body's work processing normal functions-we can burn about 10 calories per pound per day. If you do construction or other heavy labor, this increases to 20 calories per pound per day.
One pound represents 3,500 calories. That means you have to eat your weight x10 - 500 calories each day to loose one pound each week!!
So why do dieters fail? Because we under-estimate what we eat and over estimate how active we are. What can you do to be more successful than the average dieter?
1. Measure your food. Look at the container, and find one serving. If there isn't a container, try an internet calorie website. Then, actually get out the measuring cup or measuring spoon and measure.
2. Before going out to eat, check out the menu and find out how many calories that sandwich has. Almost all chain restaurants post their nutritional information online. It may be buried on the website, but it's there. For example: