We all understand that eating a well-balanced diet is essential for good health. But when we need to lose weight, we might choose to ignore all that we know about the importance of eating well-balanced meals. Sometimes, the allure of losing weight quickly and easily makes us think we should try out the latest and greatest fad diets. And although many of these fad diets may deliver the quick, short-term weight loss results we desire, they fail to provide us with the proper nutrition we need for our long-term health.

Many of us have trouble toning our tummies, even when we’re losing weight or have already met our weight loss goals. According to Julie Tupler, a registered nurse and a fitness expert in New York City (tuplertechnique.com), “that’s especially true if your protruding belly is the result of diastasis recti, a condition in which the rectus abdominus muscles separate due to pregnancy, weight gain, or exercising with poor form.”

You have probably heard by now that sitting all day is bad for your health. If you sit at a desk all day for your job, then it’s essential that you get up and move on a regular basis. It won’t cancel out all the negative side effects from the hours you spend sitting, but it will help. Working a desk job contributes to a number of potential health issues, including obesity. If you are dieting to lose weight and sitting at a desk all day, you may already know how important a regular workout is for your health and metabolism. Fitting exercise into an already hectic schedule isn’t always easy though. Luckily, it turns out that you can still fit exercise into a busy workday without leaving the office. Even better? You don’t have to leave your desk to do many of them. So get ready to stay on track with your weight loss goals and a healthy lifestyle, even when you spend most of your day sitting.

Losing weight is difficult, and losing weight quickly is even harder. The opportunity for rapid weight loss is probably one of the main reasons why many people consider bariatric surgery, which is also called weight loss surgery. However, losing weight without surgery is often a much better option for most people. When people choose to closely follow a healthy and balanced diet combined with regular, moderate exercise, they can safely and effectively lose weight – and keep it off.

When following a proper diet and including moderate exercise in our lives, many of us are still able to successfully lose weight as we get older. However, we may notice that we aren’t losing fat as easily as we did when we were younger. One unfortunate fact about aging is that we start losing muscle. As our muscle layers become weaker and less firm, the fat underneath starts taking on a crinkled, lumpy appearance. This is what we know as cellulite, which is simply fat. Fortunately, we can lose weight and that pesky cellulite with strength training. The five exercises below are designed for strengthening muscles and blasting fat in your lower body.

The month of February is designated as “American Heart Month.” Is it a coincidence this month includes Valentine’s Day, a day we express our love with family and loved ones? Or that the heart is the most common symbol of love? You can prevent heart disease and keep your heart healthy by learning more about the risk factors. This is truly one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones and for yourself.

As 2014 comes to an end, you may be reflecting on some changes you want to make for a healthier and happier YOU in the New Year. Losing weight may be one of the first things on your list. People want to kick off the New Year by starting a weight loss program. Do not wait until January 1st - go ahead and start right now! Make a few simple lifestyle changes and you will be losing weight in no time.

If you have been exercising outdoors, the extremely cold temperatures have probably interrupted your daily routine. Not to worry, you can still work out. Bring your exercise schedule indoors. Use the following ideas to get your routine back in step with your weight loss program.

Congratulations on successfully resisting all the tasty treats during Halloween; that was definitely not easy! But now, you are in the middle of having food fantasies of the larger holidays: Thanksgiving and the December Holidays. You are determined to meet your weight loss goal and you have many parties and family get-togethers at this time of year. Remember, it is one of your highest priorities, so you can survive the holidays and enjoy them.

Ready or not – Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. For most of us, it’s a festive and happy time of year. We look forward to spending time with friends and family…and of course, we look forward to all the food. However, if you have been struggling with weight loss throughout the year, you may find yourself especially dreading this particular holiday. Traditional Thanksgiving favorites often include a lot of carbs and calories, which are big “no-no’s” when you’re trying to lose weight. Don’t despair – we have put together a scrumptious, yet guilt-free, Thanksgiving menu with plenty of healthy choices for you. From the turkey to the dessert, you can enjoy this Thanksgiving feast - even while you’re following a weight loss plan. Plus, the recipes are so delicious that everyone will love them.