On a previous post I gave you some material to think about on how to start and exercise routine and next the types of exercise to start a weight loss and aerobic exercise program. 

Now we need to tie another factor to this process and that’s a change in diet. 

There are many books written on diets from what to leave out and what to add.  This can be tons of grapefruit or maybe no bread at all. 

There is the no white diet where you don’t eat anything white including bread and rice.  But this is not about any book that I’m recommending or a particular plan that I’m suggesting you try, this is about balance of food and exercise.

The easiest formula to understand is to know how much your caloric intake is and how many calories you burn in a day and if you burn more than you intake you’ll lose weight. 

Going to a site like calorie-count.com can allow you to set up your own free account and see what your eat (calorie wise) each day. 

Using a calorie burn counter that shows home many calories you use up by different activities like the one by MSNBC can give you the amount burned. 

Now some simple math on what you eat (in calories) minus what you burn (in calories) will show a difference on a plus or minus side.  Remember too that you burn calories not just by exercise, so you can even use them up while you sleep, get dressed, drive to work, etc. 

Your body burns the fule you give it in order to keep you alive each day.

Now the ability to get your diet in shape means that anyone overweight has to learn how to eat properly.  Many bay boomers can tell ou that parents used to tell us to “clear our plate” as we sat for a meal.  Not if we were hungry and met that feeling, but to eat everything that was portioned out in from of you.  We know now that this isn’t the best approach for every human being.  Just as the water factor was debunked this past week, the food process should be done in a similar manor. 

• Your body should also tell you when you are reaching your level of fullness and you can leave food on your plate. 
• You should eat smaller amounts and do this more slowly.
• Understand fat content of your intake versus healthier foods like fruits and vegetables and form a balance.
• You should eat when you are hungry and not by a clock. 
• Exercise to keep your body in shape but to also speed up the burning process.

If you can accomplish those things in a sensible manor and you are currently overweight, you will lose weight.