Diet and Fitness

"Eat less, move more." An over-simplistic mantra, perhaps, but the health and wellbeing of the majority of us would benefit greatly if we would just put even these basic principles into practice on a consistent basis.

Certainly, the longest-lasting weight loss is invariably the result of small but significant dietary changes coupled with an overall reduction in food intake. These modifications amount to a lifestyle change as opposed to "going on a diet", with all the disappointment and frustration that that approach inevitably brings.

And while an organized and systematic program of exercise will no doubt make you much fitter, there is still room for a more casual approach to "moving more". Merely taking every opportunity to become more active - climbing the stairs rather than using the elevator, walking or cycling instead of driving - will increase fitness and help to burn off calories.

Not that organized and systematic programs of either diet or exercise (or even better, both) are to be discouraged if carried out sensibly and with understanding. As with anything in life, it pays to do your homework. Having a good grasp of the principles being presented to you by some diet or fitness guru and how they relate to honest scientific knowledge will help you to avoid the worst of the fads, many of which are founded on decidedly suspect premises. For this reason, the best of the products promoted on this site include significant educational content.