Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Want to learn more about which strategy is right for you? Read on to get helpful hints and more information on each of the quiz questions.
1. I prepare most of my meals at home.
The easiest way to control the calories you consume is to know exactly what's in every meal. That usually means preparing food yourself.
2. My main goal is to look more toned.
Exercise burns fat and builds muscle. By improving your body composition, you'll fell more toned, even if you don't lose weight.
3. I'll measure my progress on the scale.
The surest and quickest way to lose weight is by dieting.
4. I'm under a lot of stress, and it sometimes gets me down.
Pressures at work or home have scuttled many a diet, partly because many people eat when they're under stress. If that sounds like you, exercise could be the antidote: Studies have shown that exercise itself can relieve tension at the same time that it helps you burn more calories.
5. I'm good at planning ahead, especially when it comes to where and what I'll be eating.
Weight-loss experts say the key to losing weight by dieting is knowing in advance what you'll have for lunch, dinner, and the occasional snack. If you don't, you may find yourself suddenly so hungry you grab whatever the vending machine or the local fast-food restaurant offers.
6. I feel really cheated when I have to say no to foods I love.
Successful dieting means saying no to high-fat desserts and the absurdly large portions many restaurants serve. If you have trouble saying no, you may have to focus on burning off extra calories by adding exercise to your daily regimen.
7. My schedule is hectic, which makes it hard for me to set aside time for myself everyday.
To lose weight through exercise, you'll have to burn a lot of excess calories -- which means setting aside at least a half hour most days to do physical activities. If you can't manage that, dieting may be a better option for you.
8. I enjoyed sports and other physical activities when I was younger.
If you enjoy physical activity, make exercise a key part of your weight-loss plan. If you don't, you'll have a tough time being active enough to lose weight with exercise alone. According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who successfully lose weight and keep it off typically burn an extra 2500 calories a week doing exercise.
9. I battle chronic aches and pains.
Most people who lose weight through exercise have to engage in pretty strenuous activities. If you can't do that, you'll need to focus on dieting.
10. I'm not good with details.
Successful dieters usually keep close tabs on what they eat, as well as the calories and fat grams foods contain. If you're not willing to do that, you may need to focus more on exercise.
11. I've tried dieting before, and it just hasn't worked for me.
If diets have left you discouraged, try inspiring yourself with an exercise program.
12. The main reason I want to lose weight is to lower my risk of heart disease.
Being physically active is the best way to lower your risk of heart disease -- even if you can't shed all the pounds you'd like. (It's still important to cut back on saturated fat and eat more high-fiber foods, of course.)
13. I've gotten so heavy that I'm embarrassed to be in public.
Dieting is the quickest way to lose enough weight so you begin to feel comfortable with how you look. When you're ready, begin walking or doing exercises at home.
14. I eat more fast food than I should.
If you eat too much junk food and fast food, it's time to concentrate on a healthier diet. You'll improve your health and lose weight at the same time.
15. I would like to have more energy.
Gradually adding physical activities to your daily routine -- walking, climbing stairs, doing household and garden chores -- will give you more energy and strength.
Advertisement 
Your Comments
See all
...