So, you’ve got a nice exercise routine established and you eat a healthy diet, but you’re not quite where you want to be. What to do? The answer may be simpler than you think.

A few years ago, my family and I took a trip to France. One thing I noticed (besides the amazing sights) was how trim and lean the people were. I don’t recall seeing any overweight locals. Interestingly, I didn’t see many gyms or even locals out running or doing typical forms of exercise. And their diet? Paleo it is NOT. French bread, pastries, cream, butter, wine. Awesome, right? So, how in the world do they stay thin? One reason is because they move a lot. Walking is a huge part of the French lifestyle. Those people walk everywhere. The French are on to something and we can be, too. What if we simply moved more?

An article in the April issue of “Runner’s World” supports this idea. Author Amby Burfoot, reports that when it comes to getting lean, “calorie reduction is not the answer.” In fact, there’s scant evidence that gluttony is our problem. Convincing data point to the other side of the calories in/calories out equation-physical activity. We’re not eating too much. We’re moving too little. We sit much more than our ancestors did and as a result, we burn far fewer calories during the work day than they did. The article talks about “energy flux…a new term for an old hypothesis.” The hypothesis says: Don’t focus on reducing the number of calories you eat, or calories in. Focus instead on increasing the number of calories you burn, or calories out. In doing so, your body will find an ideal balance point that naturally promotes weight loss and will help you maintain a healthy weight.

Just move and move some more. Keep those legs active as much as you can. Extreme exercise isn’t the answer. Extreme dieting isn’t the answer. We need to be on our feet and simply moving more than we do. Walk around more. Stand. Forget the elevator and take the stairs. Walk the dog. Park further away from your destination. Do little things throughout your day such as folding laundry or answering email standing up.

Find exercise that makes you happy. Eat a healthy diet that you enjoy. AND MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!