
It seems that nowadays virtually everyone wants to know how to lose weight. However, while every magazine, TV show, and self-proclaimed expert is touting the latest diet fad, many people fail to implement simple, time-tested, strategies that deliver long-lasting results.
Keeping your weight loss journey simple, with proven techniques, is the best way to ensure that you lose those unwanted pounds and keep them off for good.
There are 5 easy steps you can follow to get you started on the road to weight loss success. However you must first re-frame your objective. Instead of trying to “lose weight” you should focus on strategies that will help you lose body fat. This is not just an issue of semantics. It strikes a the core of your fitness efforts; whether they ultimately end in success or failure.
When you focus on “losing weight” you can potentially do more harm than good to your body. One example is starving yourself to the point where you destroy healthy muscle tissue by consuming too little calories per day for your body type. Many “quick weight loss” diets may also cause dehydration; robbing your body of essential fluids and other nutrients that are necessary to maintain good health.
However, if your primary goal is to lose body fat, you will inevitably lose weight. Here are 5 simple steps that will guide you on your way to healthy fat loss:
1. Take time to lay the proper foundation, then stick to the plan.
The fitness industry is banking on your impatience. That’s why most TV infomercials heavily market their products with the promise of quick weight loss. Don’t fall for it. If losing weight quickly through gimmicky exercise equipment, drinks or pills then why are so many people overweight?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 30.5% of American adults, 20 years and older, are obese. Even more sobering is news that the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled over the last 25 years among adolescents. The obesity rate among children has quadrupled.
We live in a culture that demands results “now.” However, “fast” is not always the best approach. Studies have shown that when weight loss is done gradually, the chances of keeping it off is increased. So, the first step should be to research your body type and design a program that is unique to you. This includes taking your starting weight and measurements. You could also read books that explain how your body type may respond to certain types of exercise and food groups.
In his book <em>The Varieties of Human Physique</em>, doctor and psychologist William Sheldon introduced the world to 3 categories of genetically determined body types – Endomorphs, Ectomorphs and Mesomorphs.
Sheldon promoted the theory that individuals respond to diet and exercise differently, depending on their body type. Mesomorphs were characterized by their “pear” shapes and needed more cardiovascular exercise in order to effect significant fat loss. Since Endomorphs carried little body fat naturally, Sheldon believed they have the advantage of not having to worry about fat gain. Ectomorphs are natural athletes who function better with high caloric (balanced) food consumption, but must resist the urge to over-train.
The bottom line here is before you start your fat loss regime, do the proper research. Measure your progress regularly to get the feedback you need to stay on course.
2. Eat less of the wrong foods and eat more of the right foods.
Sounds simple, right? However, many people either cut back on bad foods and abandon their efforts soon thereafter or replace them with so-called diet foods that are just as bad. The key is to eliminate sugar, fat-laden, processed foods, while upping your intake of whole, fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. This ensures that your body is getting the adequate nutrition it needs to burn fat while still keeping you satisfied with plenty to eat at meal and snack times.
Calories count. Calculate how many calories you need to maintain your current weight, then reduce the amount. Note: It is not a good idea take your calorie count below 1200 calories per day. Eating several smaller meals a day a good rule of thumb, as this keeps your blood sugar levels from dipping too much. Five meals a day is recommended for women; six meals a day for men.
3. Workout first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Research studies have shown that exercising on an empty stomach is, in fact, when we burn the highest percentage of fat. As your body has already emptied its stores of sugar, fat, and calories, it is then able to burn pure fat instead of the food you just ate. As an added bonus, working out early in the morning prevents you from putting it off and running the risk of skipping it altogether.
4. Add weight training to the mix.
This will up your percentage of muscle mass, thus increasing the amount of calories you burn even at rest in addition to toning and tightening your physique, giving you an even slimmer appearance.
5. Increase your amount of aerobic exercise.
Even if it is just tacking on an extra 20 minutes or so into your daily routine, every little bit helps.
The combination of planning, aerobics, weight training, and diet changes will help you lose body fat.
Brenda Ross is a former Los Angeles and San Francisco broadcaster who writes about Health & Fitness in her spare time.