Human nature seems to include a strong propensity for ‘instant gratification’, whether that involves winning the lottery, vaulting to stardom overnight, or losing 30 pounds in a week. Another way to describe this character trait is the phrase unrealistic expectations. This human trait seems to be especially typical of Americans.

In the U.S. alone, something like $30 billion is being spent every year on efforts to lose weight. That’s a lot of money, folks! Between literally thousands of diet plans, many of which require expensive ‘special’ foods, and the plethora of weight loss programs that require investment in specialized equipment, losing weight can be quite an ordeal.

The fact remains that “going on a diet” the way most Americans do it, while serving to make some proponents and manufacturers quite wealthy, seldom results in the desired outcome for the dieter. In the vast majority of cases the pounds lost are regained, often with an addition of even more than at the starting point.

In all of the most effective (and too often least ‘popular’) weight loss plans, the emphasis is on moderation and exercise. One of the major problems here is the abundance of “convenience foods”. The other is the sedentary lifestyle of far too many Americans.

Typically, Americans tend to drive from point A to point B even it’s just two blocks to the corner 7-11. Leisure time is taken up with hours of sitting or reclining in front of the television.

The conclusion, supported by every legitimate study ever conducted (and there have been a lot of those too, folks!) is that a weight loss program that does not include sufficient consistent exercise is a waste of time and money, not to mention the psychological effects of repeated failure. The alternative? Get up and move!

No matter what your occupation, you can find ways to increase physical activity. One easy and surprisingly effective move is simply walking briskly instead of ambling along.

Whenever it’s feasible, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Make a decision to walk, not drive, to the corner store.

Walking offers a host of benefits to your health and fitness. It increases your heart rate, therefore your metabolism, which is how you burn those calories.

Walking tones your muscles, strengthens bones, and helps improves posture. It is also a mood-elevator and it’s good for your self-image. You can gradually increase the pace and distance – there is no such thing as too much of this particular good thing!

You must also remember that overall good health always involves good eating habits.

More fresh produce and less of the ‘convenience’ foods is a very good initial goal to shoot for. Get in the habit of grabbing an apple instead of a donut – you will feel better.

The most important factor in any successful plan for losing weight and improving both your physical and mental health is your own attitude. Don’t try for the quick fix – historically it doesn’t work. Set some realistic goals and take it one step at a time.