We would all be thrilled about losing those few pounds, but there are so many weight loss programs and fad diets floating around the internet! It's hard to know where to find the most effective weight loss plan. What's more, we don't want to do it in such a way that would endanger our health.
I'm not here to tell you about some incredible magic diet or exercise program that makes outrageous promises and wastes your time. These tips will ensure that you are losing weight in a no-nonsense way, but won't leave you feeling drained and pessimistic at the end of the day. Enjoy your journey of slimming down!
Don't Starve Yourself!
While decreasing caloric intake is crucial for weight loss, don't drop too low. When the body doesn't get enough fuel from food, it tends to slip into starvation mode and metabolism slows way down. This means that it is harder to burn off those few calories you're actually consuming and weight loss becomes impossible. On top of this, hunger tends to make you irritable and more likely to give up and reach for the junky, comfort food. Instead, go on a moderate calorie diet with plenty of fiber, which will fill you up and leave you satisfied. For a better way to jump-start your metabolism, see the next steps.Burn Off Those Extra Calories With Aerobic Workouts
This means exercising in a way that raises your heart rate for a sustained period of time. Depending on the intensity of the exercise, shoot for 45-60 minutes a day for 5-6 days a week. For example, running burns more calories than walking and you would need to work out for a shorter period of time than if you were walking. Remember, it takes a deficit of 3,500 calories a week to lose one pound. This means that you could burn 500 calories/day to reach that one pound loss. Fortunately, many workout machines nowadays will give you an estimation of calories burned per session. Otherwise you may have to look this up.Build Up Those Muscles With Strength Training
These workouts, done 2 or 3 times a week, will do wonders for your weight loss program. They have been shown (through increased muscle mass) to raise your resting metabolism so that you burn more calories even when watching TV or reading. An added benefit of weight training is the development of tone and definition, which will make you look fabulous in your clothes. Ultimately, most people would agree that appearance and good health are far more important than a number on the scale! And don't worry if you gain a few pounds initially. This just means that you've gained muscle, which weighs more than fat. No worries though. The pounds will melt off of you if you continue with the program!Eat Breakfast
At night, body systems slow down and so do metabolic functions. Taking time out in the morning to eat a balanced meal or snack will jump-start your metabolism and thus calorie burning. Plus it is a great way to start the day off!Cut Out Sugary Beverages and Drink Water
Most of your body is composed of water and it is needed to keep every body system working at full capacity. Switching to water will help you maximize your workouts and avoiding sugary drinks will spare you loads of calories in the process. If you don't like water so much, there are an increasing number of sugar-free options in your local grocery store.
