To achieve long-term results, focus on making modest changes to your life's daily routine. A balanced, healthy diet and sensible, regular exercise are the keys to maintaining your ideal weight.

Although nutrition science is constantly evolving, here are some generally-accepted guidelines for losing weight:

• Consult with your doctor, a dietician, or other qualified health professional to determine your ideal healthy body weight.
• Eat smaller portions and choose from a variety of foods.
• Choose whole foods that are not processed.
• Load up on foods naturally high in fiber: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Limit portions of foods high in fat: dairy products like cheese, butter, and whole milk; red meat; cakes and pastries.
• Exercise at least three times a week.
• Reduce Stress - Some people tend to eat less healthy and more often when under stress.