When it comes to losing weight, tried-and-true strategies work, period. Obese adults who were given a pamphlet with 10 basic rules were motivated enough to lose 4 pounds in 8 weeks. Follow them all, and you could shave off up to 900 calories a day, study authors say—enough to lose nearly 15 pounds in the same amount of time.
1. Eat your meals on a regular schedule.
2. Choose low-fat foods.
3. Wear a pedometer and walk 10,000 steps a day.
4. Pack healthy snacks.
5. Check the fat and sugar content on food labels.
6. Portion wisely and skip seconds (except vegetables).
7. Stand for 10 minutes every hour.
8. Avoid sugary drinks.
9. Turn off the television while you eat.
10. Eat at least five servings of fruits and veggies daily.
