It can be difficult to lose weight on your own, but with some dedication and a few smart tips from the professionals, your weight loss goals are completely attainable. Here are three healthy ways for women to lose weight. (Be sure to ask for doctor for advice, too!)

1. Never skip a meal. Many people skip meals while dieting in order to cut calories (or because they went overboard with a previous meal), but this is one of the worst things you can do in the long run. Not only does skipping meals make you feel hungry and even faint or dizzy, it also slows your metabolism and can even cause you to overeat at your next meal. Shoot for five small, balanced meals per day.
2. Be realistic about your weekly weight loss. While it is possible to drop a lot of weight all at once, you’re much more likely to gain the weight back if you follow this plan. Instead, aim to lose 2 to 2.5 pounds per week, which is the amount that most doctors consider healthiest for the average woman.
3. Plan short, intense blocks of exercise each day. It’s not always easy to work out every day, but studies show that shorter, more intense bursts of regular exercise are more conducive to weight loss than working out for longer periods only a few times per week.

Our 75 Best Tips for Losing Weight [Woman’s Day]
Women's Health [WebMD]
6 Weight Loss Tips to Steal From French Women [Shape]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Alex Mueller's Daily Photo

Take your sweetheart out for a romantic day at the Casa Rondena Winery this weekend. They'll love an escape from the everyday, as well as the beautiful landscapes and architecture of the facility.

Founded in 1995 by owner and vintner John Calvin, the Casa Rondena Winery is steeped in tradition and culture. The winery, as well as its tasting room, is open to the public from noon to 7 p.m., with no reservations required. Once you've selected a wine, you are free to sit near the fireplace or take a stroll through the stunning grounds.

Those who become members gain access to the 1629 Club House, which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin until 2010. Members also receive a number of amenities such as free wine tastings, advanced purchases on new wines, access to parties, dinners, and exclusive tastings, as well as two bottles of Casa Rondena wine each month!

Casa Rondena Winery
733 Chavez Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 344-5911
www.casarondena.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Don LaVange

Even if you’re a very fit person, exercising outdoors in hot summer weather can be dangerous. Unless you take the necessary precautions, the heat and humidity can cause dehydration, dizziness, and exhaustion. Here are a few smart tips to help you exercise safely outside all summer long.

• Stay hydrated. This one may seem obvious, but dehydration is the leading cause of illness and injury during hot weather exercise. Be sure to drink a lot of water not only during and after exercise, but also beforehand to fuel your body for your workout.
• Choose smart times. Because the sun is lower (and so is the temperature) during the morning and evening, these are the smartest times to exercise outdoors.
• Wear the right clothes. While you might wear sweatpants to exercise outdoors in the fall, you should invest in something lightweight and absorbent in the summer. Try synthetic fabrics like Spandex and Lycra, as these wick away moisture.
• Listen to your body. Even if you’ve only been running for 10 minutes, that might be too much for your body in the dog days of summer. If you start to feel lightheaded and dizzy while exercising, make sure that you stop or slow down, no matter how long it’s been.

5 Ways to Exercise Safely in the Heat [U.S. News]
8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active]
Essential Tips for Outdoor Exercise [Arm & Hammer]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Alex Beattie