With a modern, sedentary lifestyle it is very easy to put on weight. Here are some practical tips to fight the flab and get your weight down. It took you a long time to put on weight so you need to take a long view about losing it. Quick diets tend not to work. You need a change in lifestyle. This is the regime that worked for me.

1. Eliminate the Enemy.

The enemy are high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods. The single most important thing you can do is to remove these from your diet. Specifically, make sure that you do not have the following in your home; bread, potatoes, pasta, chips, savory snacks, cakes, cookies, sweets, candies, chocolates and sugary drinks. This sounds severe but if you can remove these items you remove the temptation and opportunity to consume them. So what do you eat instead?

2. Eat Plenty.

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, chicken, fish, cheese and eggs. You can eat as much of your favorite fruits and vegetables as you want. Make soups from a mix of vegetables or buy low-fat soups. Eat red meat maybe once or twice a week. If you want a snack then eat some almonds or other nuts, a banana, apple or pear or a low-fat cereal or fruit bar.

3. Eat out Less.

It is possible to choose the low-fat items on the menu but generally it is much harder to resist temptation when eating out so eat at home more. The occasional big meal out is fine provided your regular regime at home is disciplined. You also save money by eating in.

4. Leave the Car on the Driveway.

Try to walk or cycle for local outings. You are helping the planet and reducing your waistline by leaving the car at home for short journeys.

5. Play Tennis.

Any vigorous exercise will do. Tennis is particularly good because you can play at 17 or 70 and it is fun, competitive and sociable.

6. Do it with your Partner.

It is much easier to change your lifestyle and remove tempting bad foods from the home if your family are all involved. Try to make it a joint effort with your wife, husband or partner and you will find it easier to keep going. Breaking the rules with the occasional treat is allowed as is alcohol in moderation.

These are the key items that have helped me lose 14 pounds in three months. The initial change takes some effort but then you get into new and better habits. The result is that you look better and feel fitter.

Paul Sloane is an author and speaker on leadership, innovation and lateral thinking. His most recent book is The Innovative Leader. He helps organizations improve innovation, creativity and leadership. He is the founder of Destination Innovation. He has written 15 books of lateral thinking puzzles and hosts the lateral puzzles forum.

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