Weight loss involves more than just slashing calories and hitting the gym every day. It’s also about moderation and creating a sustainable routine. This special edition of Health delves into what makes a successful weight-loss plan, including why counting calories doesn’t work, the nature of body fat, smart tips for eating out, which exercises are best for your goals, and much more.
WHAT A HEALTHY DIET LOOKS LIKE • The struggle to shed pounds is real. But it is possible to eat healthier and lose weight in a way that is sustainable for you
BEYOND COUNTING CALORIES • Focusing solely on calories leads to restriction and feelings of guilt about mealtime. Here’s what actually works
WHY FAD DIETS FAIL • There’s no quick fix or miracle plan for weight loss, despite trendy diets and social media influence. Experts debunk these practices, as well as what actually works
Fads: the good, the bad, the ridiculous • A brief history of weight loss and body positivity
THE GENDER DIFFERENCE • Scientists believe that men and women lose weight in different ways and at various rates. Stress and hormonal differences are just some things that influence this process
RAISING KIDS WHO ARE BODY POSITIVE • Writer Jancee Dunn wanted her daughter to have a healthy body image and relationship with food. The first step: to stop nitpicking her own shape
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BODY FAT • Some fat can improve our metabolism. Another type can wrap around the heart. Discover how body fat can help and harm our health
8 Ways Fat Affects the Female Body • Having excess fat—or too little of it—can wreak havoc with a woman’s system
HOW STRESS MAKES US GAIN • What to do when evolution is working against you. Hint: being aware helps
ALL ABOUT CRAVINGS • Rich and sugary foods trigger our innate survival instinct. Can’t kick them? You don’t have to, according to science
14 HEALTHY FOODS THAT KEEP YOU FULL • Reach for one of these hunger-busting picks, and you won’t find yourself reaching for a cookie an hour later
GAIN-PROOF EVERY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE • Ever notice how weight tends to creep on at certain times? Here’s how to push through these vulnerable periods and come out healthier
EAT OUT AND STAY LEAN • Yes, you can enjoy restaurant meals without putting on pounds. Here’s how to find the best bets on any menu
WOULD YOU TRY GOOP’S DETOX? • Gwyneth Paltrow’s plan left our writer inspired to eat healthily—and also hungry
WINE VS. YOUR WAISTLINE • Beer, wine, and other booze don’t have to lead to weight gain. Read this before your next night out to avoid cocktail calories
HOW FIT ARE YOU? • Take these at-home tests to measure your cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance. Then use these easy steps to improve your scores
SECRETS FROM STAR TRAINERS • Even celebrities need help with motivation. Tap this advice from Hollywood’s top fitness pros to bust past any plateau
THE EXERCISE ALMANAC • There’s plenty of advice out there on how much and how best to exercise, yet it’s often conflicting. We went to the experts to help sort it all out and find out what you really need
HIIT IT HARD • Get max results in minimal time with this high-intensity workout
FORM AND FUNCTION • Get strong—and avoid injury—with these full-body moves. Plus, tips for doing them right!
THE TAO OF BEING ROUND • Stressed about not having a six-pack? Abs, schmabs: there are far better reasons to work out
WHY NOT WALK? • It’s the quick-stepping secret to dropping weight and staying fit for life
Health Understanding Weight Loss
Photo Credits
SHAPING UP: BY THE NUMBERS
