 |  Dave Tonge
Dave is Camp Director, Carnegie International Weight Loss Camp. He currently manages two residential camps and five weekend day camps in the UK for overweight and obese children. He is going into his fifth year working and managing the camps and he currently lectures part- time at Leeds Metropolitan University in Physical Education. His undergradate and post-graduate studies are in Physical Education. |  |
- Enjoy food and exercise.
Taking up things that you know you won't enjoy will never last and you'll feel as though you have failed. Spend time finding things you want to do.
- Don't feel guilty.
Many people have feelings of guilt, which stop them making positive changes.
- Keep it varied.
Many people who start a new exercise programme or diet give up very quickly because they become bored. Keep it varied and you won't get bored.
- 5 a day.
Eat 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day to keep you healthy and help control your weight.
- Limit fatty foods and snacking.
Fat is what makes us fat and snack foods tend to be high in fat. People can eat far more calories during a day by snacking, than they can by eating three regular meals.
- Watch the sugar.
Sugary sweets and drinks actually make a big difference to your weight. A can of regular cola has 140 times the amount of calories of a can of diet cola.
- Get active.
Take every opportunity to be active and use up calories. Take the stairs and try to walk rather than taking the car.
- Do things as a family or with your friends.
Find out about your local skating rink, bowling alley, swimming pool, go-cart track etc and get your friends organised to join in.
- Stick with it.
Changing your lifestyle can be challenging, but once the changes you have made become part of your normal routine, you won't even realise you are doing them. The first 3-6 months of changing your lifestyle are the most difficult.
- Set realistic goals both short and long term.
Remember, if you don't achieve your goals, don't worry about it, just try again the following week. Don't feel bad you didn't do it, feel happy that you are trying!!
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