If you aren't having fun while losing weight, then I suggest you get on a program that you like. After all, the more you are rewarded, the more you are motivated to continue. Here's a few primers on losing weight and/or getting into shape:

1) Don't diet-instead decide to make & have a life changing lifestyle. The difference is in having a positive outlook, less pressure and & better long term results. You don't "diet" everyday. You just decide to have a healthy lifestyle that includes a better diet, exercise, sleep and learning to have healthy emotions.

2) Reward yourself! It's ok to go off your "diet" and reward yourself. Life is short; taste the ice cream.

3) Calories=a healthy diet. Make this simple especially if you are a beginner. More fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken, whole grains and stomach filling low calorie, low fat night snacks.

4) Exercise! Start at 3 or 5 minutes a day or 3-5 xs a week. Forget the "if no pain then no gain" slogan. Especially if you are a beginner, out of shape and/or overweight. Save your limbs especially if you are older
and don't push yourself too early or that could result in injuries.

5) Include aerobics. Walking is an easy, low cost and good on the knees.

6) Have fun! Take a day off, go sightseeing or do seomething to take your mind off your diet. Including exercise like walking [think zoo] helps.

7) Watch the hidden calories in food, especially while eating out. Have food with sauces on the side, etc. Watch hidden salt & fats in food.

8) Change your exercise! Our bodies adapt either monthly or in a few months to the exercise we do. Sometimes I'll change in a month-other times I'll change my exercises either weekly or daily. Do something different; stress different muscles. But remember this is for more advanced students. Always be gentle with your body to avoid injuries.

9) Warm up.

10) Lift weights. Even light weights help burn off calories. Be aware-in the beginning, when building muscle, you might GAIN some weight. Muscle weighs more than fat. In the long term however, more muscle means you burn calories quicker and more efficiently. Please it's healthier.

11) Do exercises that you like. If you don't like one program, seek out another program you like. If you don't like walking, take up bike riding or swimming.

12) Think small accomplishments. If this is a lifestyle change, that means eating too much ONE day won't ruin your whole life/diet.

13) Have goals.

14) Throw away the weight scale. You don't have to weigh yourself everyday if it's only punishment. Think positive...if daily weighing yourself works, then use it. If not, then do it less.

15)Get a healthy amount of sleep. Sleep deprived people gain weight easier per a hormonal reaction.

16) Get a work out or walking buddy.

17) Educate yourself more on diets, exercise and having a healthy lifestyle. Avoid negative people who indulge in sabotaging their bodies.

18) Avoid injuries. Stretch after your workout.

19) Learn how to have healthy emotions. Whether you suffer from depression, being shy and not sticking up for yourself, educate yourself per having healthy emotions [then later regretting it and eating too much, etc.]

20) Step back and see what's working. And what's not.
Occasionally change and tweak your programs.

Good luck!

c2009 sei beginning diet, exercise tips