When someone asks you what the best way to lose weight is, chances are, you'll answer: "Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly." And this is true. These are proven strategies that help keep the fat away. Unfortunately, what works best is not often the simplest. We are bombarded with hectic schedules and unhealthy food choices that prevent us from exercising and consuming the right kinds of food that nourish our bodies. In order to achieve your fat loss goals, more energy (in the form of calories from food) must be expended than ingested.

To simplify weight loss, motivation is essential. Adults, especially those with children, find that one of the greatest motivators for losing the excess pounds is dying early from the major diseases brought about by obesity. It is inherent in those who have just begun their families to see their children through school and share their special milestones. Diabetes, heart disease, cancers and their associated complications will certainly be too risky when viewed in the light of having a two and four-year old to take care of. When you are gone, who will take care of them? Those who are younger with lesser responsibilities may find that looking good in slim jeans is a better motivation. Whatever your reason for wanting to reduce your body fat is, the truth remains that the process becomes simpler with the proper motivation.

When you are already into your weight loss regimen, start with baby steps. Remove the chips and other junk gradually from your diet and replace them with a slice of fruit that you already like. Then you can continue weaning yourself away from soda and replacing it with water or freshly-squeezed fruit juice. Where your exercise is concerned, start by doing a five-minute walk around the house. Increase it to fifteen, twenty, until you are able to walk for thirty minutes nonstop. Maybe you can only do this twice a week in the beginning, but as your body builds stamina, you can gradually lengthen the time you spend on your workouts.

If setting a specific period of exercise is too difficult for you, substitute with activities that you usually do everyday. Instead of taking the elevator, walk the stairs. You can also cycle instead of using your car. Park far away so you can walk the rest of the way. By doing these activities, you are on your way to zapping the pounds away without really engaging in a "serious" workout. Of course, setting a regular fitness schedule will help you achieve your weight loss goals faster.

Keeping the weight off can be made easier on your end if you have healthy food options at home. Fruit slices can be kept in the refrigerator so that you can snack on them anytime you feel hungry. Try to avoid takeouts whenever you can since these are chockfull of preservatives, sugar and saturated fat. And when you eat, chew your food well so that your brain registers fullness and satiety with less. Don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. That's weight loss made simple!