Losing Weight Safely: "Losing Weight Safely
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is part of the United States Government. FDA requires most food labels to list the amount of important nutrients the food gives you. Use food labels to choose healthy foods for losing weight.
If You're Overweight, Slim Down for Better Health
Overweight people have an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other illnesses. Losing weight reduces the risk. This brochure tells you how to lose weight safely.
Ask Your Doctor About Sensible Goals
Your doctor or other health worker can help you set sensible goals based on a proper weight for your height, build and age.
Men and very active women may need up to 2,500 calories daily. Other women and inactive men need only about 2,000 calories daily. A safe plan is to eat 300 to 500 fewer calories a day to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week.
Exercise 30 Minutes
Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.
The idea is to use up more calories than you eat. You need to use up the day's calories and some of the calories stored in your body fat.
Eat Less Fat and Sugar
This will help you cut calories. Fried foods and fatty desserts can quickly use up a day's calories. And these foods may not provide the other nutrients you need.
Tips for Cutting Calories and Fat
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grain products like bread and rice.
Eat only small, single servings of foods high in fat or calories.
Eat less sugar and fewer sweets.
Drink less alcohol or no alcohol.
Choose foods whose labels say low, light or reduced to describe calories or fat.
Choose 1 percent or skim milk products and reduced fat cheeses.
Replace ice cream with fat-free frozen yogurt.
Replace sour cream with fat-free or low-fat plain"