10 Weight-Loss Rules that Work

FitSugarSource: 10 Weight-Loss Rules That Work

There's so much out there when it comes to weight-loss tips, and it can be hard to separate what works from what's just a fad. But when we asked you on Facebook to tell us the best strategy that helped you shed pounds, you were quick to answer! Read on for the 10 most popular weight-loss rules that have been proven to work.

• Your Diet Counts: No matter how hard you exercise, it's true: it can be hard to lose weight if you're not changing your diet. "You can't exercise enough to overcome a poor diet," says Facebook fan Brittany. "The diet part has to come first." If your weight isn't budging, regardless of how much you're working out, take a look at your current eating habits to see if you are eating the right amount of calories for your body and your goals.
• Eat Frequently: Everyone's meal strategy differs, but one thing's clear: eating small meals throughout the day can keep you from being hungry and making a not-so-healthy decision. Facebook fans What a Girl Wants, Roxana, Her Mind & Body Weight Loss Planner, a
• Do Cardio: As one fan puts it: "I've dieted, dieted, and dieted, cut sugar, carbs, bread, drank nothing but water, and nothing worked, until I started doing major cardio, even though my body hates me for it." Try high-intensity intervals or Tabata training, since these are two of the most effective ways to burn fat.
• Strength Train: "Major" cardio may help you drop pounds, but don't believe the myth that cardio is the only way to shed weight. Strength training increases muscle mass, which revs up your metabolism for faster calorie burning. Fans Ashley and Jessica say that strength training is the key to their weight loss, and Ellyn likes to combine both by doing cardio after she lifts weights.
• Cut Carbs: Carbs aren't the enemy, but many of you say that limiting them can be an effective way to drop pounds. Facebook fan Katie says that cutting carbs out of her dinner until she reached her goal weight was the key to her success. Facebook fan Gaby cut out white rice, bread, pasta, and sugar to lose weight, and Leslie gave up beer and bread to drop pounds.

• Cut Out Junk: Fresh fruits and veggies and lean meats will keep you fuller far longer than junk food and processed foods. Plus, you'll be getting more of the nutrients you need to stay healthy. You don't have to keep junk foods off-limits completely, however. Read our tips for how to indulge the smart way here.
• Move Often: A sedentary lifestyle won't help you drop pounds. Even if you make a point to exercise 30 minutes a day, all those hours of sitting on your couch or at your desk can still do you harm. Make moving a priority, and something you want to do. "Move your body in any way, shape, or form, and make it fun! Swimming, dancing, running, hula hooping, even just taking a walk around your neighborhood," says Gabriela.
• Keep It Out: Temptations lurk in every corner of your kitchen, so if you find that you're powerless to a bag of chips or a tray of cookies, don't stock your pantry with your favorite indulgences. "If I shouldn't eat it, I don't keep it in my house," says fan Rachel. The extra work it would take for you to have what you're craving - like driving to the store or baking a whole new batch - may be the only deterrent you need to keep from indulging.
• Eat Less: Portion control works, but it can be hard to really know how much we should be eating (especially when there's a large plate of pasta sitting in front of us!). Arm yourself with these portion control tips so you don't overeat, and follow fan Linda's advice: if you find yourself going back for seconds whenever you cook a lot of food, cut the size down so there's only enough for one serving. And this tip from Penda is simple and straightforward, "Eat till you're satisfied, not till you're full."
• Log Everything: If you're serious about losing weight, keeping track of everything you eat and drink can be an extremely helpful tool. Popular online food journal tools like Myfitnesspal.com and LoseItWrite help many of our readers track calories. But no matter which way you use, remember to be honest with yourself in order to see results. "If you bite it, write it," says fan Diana.