Research supports common sense dieting

New Year’s resolutions starting to lag? For those who made weight loss resolutions, spring is often a time when weight loss goals are challenged. Frustrated dieters often wonder if they chose the right eating plan when the scale doesn’t reflect the success they had hoped for. But according to research, the key to real change is staying on track.

A recent study followed over 800 adults to evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of popular diets. The study showed that regardless of diet, participants who lowered calorie intake by 750 calories per day and exercised 90 minutes per week lost an average of 13 pounds in 6 months. Over the next two years, participants were able to maintain an average nine pound weight loss.

The real news here is that common sense rules. Weight gain occurs when you take in more calories than you burn. So to take the weight off, burn more calories than you consume. The type of diet you choose matters less than your ability to stick to the plan. Consistent exercise is key as well.

Maintaining a regular exercise habit means finding activities that you enjoy and making weight loss a high enough priority so that it doesn’t fall victim to an overly aggressive to do list. If you find yourself lost at the gym or bewildered at home trying to find a workout that sticks, check out these other articles for fitness ideas and goal setting tips.

• Fitness resolution do’s and don’ts
• 5 steps to developing a successful fitness plan
• A stair climbing workout: set goals, improve strength and burn calories
• Inspire weight loss with a pedometer challenge
• Stay fit during a hectic week