Question #4: I just can’t get motivated to start exercising. Can I lose weight quickly without hitting the gym?

Answer: You can lose weight just by dieting, but the problem with a quick weight-loss diet is this—part of your weight loss will be muscle. And if you regain the weight, you will regain fat—not muscle. So the effect of a quick weight-loss diet without exercise will be that your body will be fatter and your metabolism will be slower. That, of course, is not the desired goal.

If your goal is to lose weight and to be fit, it is important to include an aerobic and weight-training program with a healthy diet.

Question #5: What is a realistic weight-loss goal?

Answer: A realistic weight-loss goal is one to two pounds of fat per week.

Question #6: I tend to eat more when I am exercising regularly. Can I justify my binges because I’m working out?

Answer: No, but that’s a common misconception. Here’s a little food for thought: Did you know that you would have to walk about six miles to burn off the calories in an average candy bar? That puts it in perspective, doesn’t it?

Another common mistake people make is to diligently work out and then finish their exercise session with a sports drink. What they don’t realize is that by drinking one sports drink, they often consume as many calories as they just burned on the treadmill.

If your goal is weight loss, you must pay special attention to what you’re drinking as well as what you’re eating.