What actually works for you?

I struggle to keep my weight in check like most people and over the years have developed what can only be described as a containment strategy. This may be stating the obvious but the bottom line is down to you and as you get older it does get harder.

You must know your ideal weight probably based around the simplistic measurement of your BMI. It's simpler if you can hack metric here; Weight in Kilos / Height in meters squared. The result should ideally be between 20 and 25; over 25 and you need to do something about it. Do not put it off until you are obviously fat because the bigger you are the harder it is to return to a normal weight. Remember your skin stretches but does not easily unstretch if stretched too far; hence those unsightly often sore flabs of horrible flesh. The NHS may help you to loose weight but it will not normally foot the bill for tidying up the flab.

With a BMI of 28 or less you should be able to simply adjust your lifestyle with smaller portions and a little more exercise. The Flab issue should not be problem as your skin will probably adjust unless you have been enormous beforehand. Gradual weight loss of say 1/2 to 1 kilo (1 to 2 pounds) a month over a couple years and you will get there. Remember the regime you choose is one that you will need to keep for life so you must be happy with it. You need to weigh yourself once or twice a week to ensure that you are on track. Never think that you can give yourself a treat without paying the penalty; indulgence over Christmas or on holiday can take months to recover from. Set a realistic target and keep to it. DO NOT BE PRESSURED INTO INDULGENCE it simply isn't worth it.

My personal goal is a BMI of about 23 as that is when I look and feel about right.

So how do you get there. Get used to much less sugar and fat, not as difficult as it seems as you will loose the taste for them and not want them as much. Try to get cut out fizzy drinks, crisps and biscuits; hard at first but you will soon loose your taste for them. Your body is not designed to cope them anyway. Plenty of fruit, fiber and water in whatever form suits you. Eat and cook fresh.

The penalties for a poor diet are generally being overweight, being unfit, ill and simply not happy with yourself. I've ranted on enough; you all know what you should do and that it is not fair to expect the NHS and Society to pay the price for your negligence over the years.