If you would like to lose a little weight and generally get into better shape, like many of us would, then it is very simple. You must consume fewer calories by eating and drinking than you exepend as a result of physical exercise. Do this consistently over a period of time and you will be certain to lose weight. There is no big secret, no wonder drug and no miracle health supplement involved.

Simply put, if you want to lose weight then you need to burn more calories (exercising), eat and drink less (dieting) - or both. In fact, the best solution is very definitely to do both simultaneously. Taking regular exercise will increase your metabolic rate - the speed at which you burn calories. As long as you exercise on a regular basis then you will burn calories at a greater rate when you're not exercising, for example sitting watching the TV, typing on your computer or even sleeping.

Of course, the very thought of exercising can be off-putting for many people - but there's no reason to avoid exercise, it needn't involve getting all hot, sweaty and out of breath. One of the very best exercises that you can do is walking, something which the large majority of us do every single day. You simple need to walk a little further and a little more often and you will soon see the benefit - and there are many health benefits available to those who walk on a regular basis.

The recommendation of many health and fitness professionals is that we should try to walk 10,000 steps a day. For the average person that's roughly equivalent to somewhere between four and a half and five miles. It sounds like a long way - but you may be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to achieve. Don't forget - 10,000 steps is the total distance per day - it includes the normal walking activity that you carry out as you go about your daily business. You're not starting from scratch.

Leave the car in the garage and walk to the shops, work or school - or get off the bus a couple of stops early and finish the last part of your journey on foot. If you do take the car then park it in a corner of the parking lot that's well away from the entrance so that you have further to walk. Forget the lift and take the stairs from time to time. Take a fifteen minute walk at lunch time. It all adds up.

Other than a comfortable pair of shoes, no special equipment is required to start a walking exercise program. However, investing in a pedometer may be worthwhile - especially if your walking is broken up into short sessions throughout your day. It will help you to keep track of your progress and to stay motivated.

If you are able to fit longer walks into your day then you might also want to think about getting an mp3 player if you don't already have one. The miles and the time will pass much faster when you're walking along listening to your favourite tunes.