How to Lose Weight on a Balanced Diet

Winning the battle of the bulge is difficult, especially as we age. Even if you eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise, that does not automatically translate to weight loss. Losing weight on a balanced diet means focusing on portion sizes, lifestyle changes and fitness. Avoid trying to lose weight too fast. Quick weight loss tends to be more of a short-term solution. Instead, make changes that are helpful long-term.

Instructions

1

Eat limited amounts of processed sugar. The sugar found in candy, cookies and pastries can derail weight loss efforts. To lose weight on a balanced diet, eat these types of foods sparingly.

2

Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water each day. When the body is not properly hydrated, the kidneys compensate by holding onto water, which causes bloating and water retention. Drinking water can also help you feel full, which reduces overeating.

3

Chew your food slowly. Eating slowly often results in eating a reduced amount of food. If you wolf down dinner, you will not feel full before starting on another portion. Savor it and gauge how full you are before eating any more food.

4

Eat only complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, such as white pasta and white bread, contain more fiber. They keep you full much longer. Examples of complex carbohydrates include sweet potatoes, brown rice and barley.