Diet fads come and go, but sensible slim-down ideas stand the test of time. Follow these—collected from our past 75 years—to drop pounds and keep them off for good.
The Golden Rules
1. Don't skip meals. When you get too hungry, you're less likely to make healthy choices. October 2010
2. Never go on a diet when you're under a lot of stress. April 1974
3. Ideally, you should try to lose no more than 1 to 2 pounds a week. January 1954
4. A short bout of exercise each day is more effective than longer, less frequent periods. June 1939
5. To lose weight for good, know that you can't go back to your old eating habits. You'll need to change your lifestyle. April 1974
6. Eating too little can backfire. Never have less than 1,200 calories a day—or you may slow down your metabolism. April 2006
7. Don't grocery-shop when you're hungry. You're likely to make high-fat, low-nutrient impulse purchases. January 1994
8. For a fit and toned figure, dieting alone isn't enough. You also need to exercise. February 1979
9. A slipup doesn't have to lead to an entire day of overeating. Resolve to make better choices at your next meal. December 2010
10. Cut down, not out: Trim portions of food instead of removing entire categories (carbs, fats, etc.). January 1966
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What are your top weight-loss tips? Are any of yours listed here?
