Lose 20 Pounds

What does it take to lose 20 pounds?  It's simple really.  Regular exercise and better eating habits. Shouldn't be a problem, should it?

But it is, for thousands of us.  I have been able to lose 20 pounds on two to three occasions.  And guess what, it came right back!

So what's the problem? My belief is that it's a lifestyle choice and that if we want to lose 20 pounds for good, then we have to commit to a life of exercise and eating differently that we can stick with forever.

When it comes to us humans, we want it this way; never have to exercise and eat whatever we please. Does that sound familiar to you? It totally resonates with me.

My daughter is a perfect example of this. She is 18 years old. She is 5'10" and weighs about 155. Granted some people would say that's totally fine and acceptable. She doesn't appear to be fat or anything of the sort. I would say she's just an average size.

However, this is not the weight she wants to maintain. She wants to lose 20 pounds. In my opinion, that's fine as well. Now, the only problem is her eating habits and exercise routines.

First of all, if you're seriously attempting to lose 20 pounds, you shouldn't eat large portions. She always does this. I tell her that she consumes a much larger serving than she needs. This is an American habit. We tend to do this in the states.

Secondly, she should avoid junk food and saturated fats. She doesn't do this either. That's two strikes against her. And finally, she should work out five days a week. Maybe four sessions of cardio and one of weight training.

This would make a huge difference. Instead, she works out randomly. Maybe twice a week. Although this is better than nothing, it's simply not enough. Especially if you're struggling to lose 20 pounds.

So here are some questions to ask yourself if you are going to lose 20 pounds for good.

1. Am I prepared to develop a healthy workout routine?
2. What junk food or carb heavy food can I cut out entirely, and never feel I have to have again?
3. Can I set myself fitness goals on a regular basis and stick to them?

You see, I believe most of us like to get some form of exercise.  Everyone feels good after doing some kind of exercise and if you can do it with friends, so much the better.

Next, start eliminating some type of food that you know does you no good and that you can live without.  There's bound to be one or two.  Just start slowly.

When you reach a goal, which might be to lose 20 pounds, then have the next goal ready to start on right away.  Don't make it centered on weight loss, since that can become all consuming.  Do somethinglike, exercising 45 mins every day.  Keep your mind off losing weight while doing lots of exercise and eating better and you might just lose 20 pounds again!