There are as many approaches to weight loss as there dietitians and fitness experts. With so many differing opinions, it can be hard to even get started. Follow along for some basic, easy to use tactics in your weight loss endeavor.
Of course, it’s important to reduce your calories each day, but when should you eat? First, make sure that you eat right after waking up. Then eat every two to three hours, to maintain a steady, active metabolism.
So throughout the day, how many calories should you consume? A good amount would be whatever you ideal bodyweight is times ten. However, regardless of your target weight, don’t go below 1500 calories.
When trying to shed fat, exercise is crucial. Without it, your body will use some of your existing muscle for energy. What you want is for your body to use fat and carbs for energy, not muscle.
Here’s an unusual tip. Instead of a regular snack or meal, have a handful or two of almonds. Almonds have been called a “superfood” because of the protein and good fats, so try it out.
Here’s another little tip for each day. Instead of a regular snack or meal, eat one bowl of high-fiber cereal with low-fat milk. Make it one of your mid-day meals.
Water and low-fat milk should be the only things you drink. Even apple juice and orange juice are filled with unneeded calories. There are several studies that say diet drinks, while calorie-free, actually increase your food intake.
Every meal should consist of a healthy dose of protein. Protein fills you up nicely, naturally limiting the amount of carbs that you consume. However, a lot of protein can be taxing on your kidneys, so drink a lot water to compensate.
Junk food does not belong in your house. High-sugar, high-fat snacks are simply detrimental to your efforts. If it’s not in the house, you’re less likely to eat it.
Most of your carbs should be eaten before dinner. That way, when you’re moving around for the day, your body burns up the carbs. If you eat a lot of carbs in the evening, it gets stored as fat because you’re sleeping and not moving around.
When looking to lose weight, don’t stop here, as there are several more tips out there. I follow all of the above advice, and then some. Take what you want from this article, that you feel works for you, and make a plan that you can stick with!
David Stevens writes advice on how to lose weight and burn fat.
