Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day as we remember the many heroes who have served our country.

Just about every website and magazine today claims to offer miracle diet tips, but the only real way to lose weight is by exercising regularly and watching what you eat. These smart (and realistic!) tips can help keep women on track to shedding those extra pounds.

1. Determine your individual calorie intake. Sure, counting calories is important for everyone, but not every woman’s body requires the same amount of calories each day. Work with a doctor to determine your recommended daily amount based on your weight loss goals.
2. Practice portion control. Even if your diet already consists of mainly lean meats, fruits, and veggies, many people go overboard when it comes to portion control. Measure out your portions beforehand to stay on track.
3. Forgo diet treats. Every American supermarket is filled with “diet” versions of unhealthy treats, but in most cases, you’re better off opting for a smaller serving size of the real deal. That way, you won’t be tempted to overindulge.
4. Balance cardio and strength workouts. Most people prefer one or the other when it comes to their gym habits, but it’s important to balance both types of exercise if you really want to lose weight.
5. Amp up your workouts. Practice short bursts of intense activity, which burn far more calories and help you to lose weight faster.

Our 75 Best Tips for Losing Weight [Women’s Day]
7 Weight Loss Mistakes Even Healthy Women Make [Prevention]
7 Weight Loss Challenges and Tips for Women [ShareCare]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Amelia Crook

FIT members aren't scrambling to get in and out of the gym. Unlike the crowded, uncomfortable atmosphere you'll find at most cookie-cutter gyms, FIT cultivates an ambiance that makes guests want to stay a while.

Perhaps it's the free Wi-Fi offered in a comfortable lounge. Or maybe members stick around for the steam rooms and saunas where they can unwind after a workout. Of course, it could also be the FIT cafe, where desktop computers are open for checking e-mail, low-fat meals and smoothies are served, and fitness apparel and supplements are sold.

No matter the reason, exercisers often seem to stick around around working out on FIT's state-of-the art cardio and strength equipment. That is, if they decide not to attend one of the popular Group X fitness classes. From Pilates and "Hard CORE" classes to cycling and INSANITY sessions, the group workouts get attendees sweating alongside friends.

FIT
1532 W. Gray Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 782-9348
www.fithouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fit-athletic-club-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/tabor-roeder