The safe way to lose weight begins with a thorough checkup by your family physician. He can check for any health problems that might defeat a simple diet plan. He can also help you set a reasonable weight-loss goal and plan a strategy to meet that goal within a reasonable time frame.

The big problem is that we all enjoy good food. So a diet that deprives you of the joy of eating is not likely to work in the long run. Therefore, the key is to avoid overeating. Here, then, are a few suggestions to help you to be "moderate" in your eating habits.

Don't skip breakfast! "Hunger and a feeling of deprivation get the best of you," warns The New Teenage Body Book. "You'll tend to load up on food -- and calories -- late in the day."

Drink a large glass of water before each meal. This will fill your stomach. Drinking adequate amounts of water also appears to play a role in reducing body-fat deposits. Doctors therefore recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.

Don't eat and watch TV. Says Dr. Seymour Isenberg: "If you are busy watching TV . . . , you [can] begin eating like a machine."

Pray before you eat. Remember this, whether you believe in God or not, it (prayer) certainly cannot hurt. Prayer just may strengthen your resolve to eat moderately.

Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to signal the brain that it is full. Eating slowly will thus help you to "eat to satisfaction," but no more!

Find healthy alternatives to eating -- especially if you have been in the habit of eating whenever you are bored, tense, lonely, or depressed. Talk to someone you trust. Go for a walk, or exercise. Work on a hobby. Listen to music. Do something you enjoy and this may help to keep your mind off your appetite.
About the Author
Cephus Gunn is an independent marketing consultant and offers common-sense tips on health and weight loss for the informed consumer. For more information on health and safe weight loss, visit the web site http://www.yonitetrim.com/

Contact Cephus at solinc01@yahoo.com Please note that this article is not a substitute for medical advice.