Losing Weight: How I Lost 15 Pounds in Eight Weeks

Do you want to lose weight and keep it off? Duh, who doesn't right? Despite all the claims spread by the makers of various diet pills and exercise gizmos, the answer is really not all that complex.

Here is a simple way to lose weight. I know, I followed it myself. Keep in mind that I am a healthy woman in my 40s. The following is just a list of what an ordinary woman did to lose weight. It is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please, if you are under the care of a doctor or other medical practitioner, follow their advice. If you have any medical concerns about what is listed below, please consult a medical profession.

As far as diet is concerned: follow these four steps to lose weight:

1. Do not eat between meals. (If you are truly hungry between meals (that is, your stomach is growling loudly and constantly or you feel light-headed and/or irritable, etc.) eat one piece of fruit or a piece of string cheese. Try to have fruit, veggies and protein (especially low-fat dairy) at every meal.

2. Eat only one serving at meals - no seconds. Fast-food is okay once a week, but no super-sizing. (I usually don't eat French fries.)

3. Allow one day each week to indulge lightly in a favorite treat, such as chocolate, ice cream etc. (Don't go hog wild, just have one serving.)

4. Drink water or diet pop (caffeine-free preferred.) Non-fat milk is okay.

You might think I eat tofu and carrot sticks. Not at all. Here is what I typically eat:

Breakfast: one serving of dry cereal or oatmeal or toast with vegetable-oil spread, a small yogurt, one small piece of fruit

Lunch: One can of soup or one hot dog or one serving of chicken plus one serving of fruit or vegetables. (I have found that finishing with a piece of fruit satisfies my sweet tooth.)

Dinner: I eat whatever the family eats, one serving. I have a family of five and we each pick something for dinner. I always make sure there are vegetables on hand.