Jump-start weight loss

What's the best thing you can do to jump-start weight loss when you've regained?

 When you start to feel your clothes getting tighter or see that the number on the scale has crept up 5 pounds, it's time to reevaluate your diet and exercise plan.

Start journaling your food intake by monitoring portions and calories. Research shows that dieters who jot down what they eat lose twice as much weight as those who don't keep a record.

Kick up your exercise program by varying the intensity or duration or adding a workout or two, depending on how fast you want to get the weight off.

Recent research has shown that interval training--increasing the intensity of a workout for short bouts of time--may even help people over the age of 40 lose more weight than they would maintaining a steady pace for a longer time.

Remember to consult with your physician before starting any fitness regimen.
Source: Cheryl Forberg, RD, is resident nutritionist on The Biggest Loser and the author of Positively Ageless: A 28-Day Plan for a Younger, Slimmer, Sexier You (Rodale Inc.).