4 Keys to Weight Loss
First off, let me start by saying this list is by no means exhaustive. However, if you can manage these 4 important components of a weight loss program, you will be on your way to a slimmer body.
Build the Foundation
Many people begin a weight loss program with their basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses in a resting state, in the gutter. The key then is to increase your BMR so that you are burning more calories throughout the day, every day. Increase the amount of calories you burn, increase the amount of fat you lose. Makes sense, yes? The best way to increase your BMR is through adding muscle tissue. Females often shudder at the idea of adding muscle due to their fear of becoming "bulky." Relax babe! It’s a little harder to add that kind of muscle mass than you think. Besides, a little muscle mass goes a long way toward achieving a leaner body. And this is what you want, right?
Specificity of Program
Not just any exercise program will do for weight loss. Simply burning calories is not good enough. The program must be designed to elicit specific hormonal responses that are conducive to weight loss. I’ll give you a hint?hours and hours of cardio is NOT the answer!
Consistency
This one pretty much speaks for itself. Have you ever achieved anything great with an inconsistent effort? Unless you consider failure a great achievement, you probably haven’t. You must exercise consistently to get the results you want! It amazes me how many people put so little effort into their exercise program and complain about not seeing results. Even the most well designed programs are useless if they are not adhered to on a consistent basis.
Diet
Again, this one goes without saying. You can’t expect to achieve a leaner body by continuing your unhealthy eating habits. This isn’t to say that you should drop everything in your diet immediately and exchange it for "healthy" food. You would end up miserable and revert back to your old habits within a month. Instead, practice moderation and don’t overindulge. Also, phase certain unhealthy foods out of your diet while introducing healthier foods. The transition will be easier to make and a lot easier to maintain.
About The Author
Chad Anderson, CSCS operates an online fitness programming and in-home personal training service. He holds a BS degree in exercise science with a minor in nutrition and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. You can visit his website at www.afitsolutions.com.
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Take The Die out Of Dieting – Tips For Stress Free Weight Loss
Not so resolved on that “New Year’s Resolution” to be in shape this year? Not quite in the body that you wanted to spend this summer in? Are you sick of counting carb grams and worrying about all of the foods that you “can’t eat” ? If You are tired of losing the same weight over and over, and feeling like a failure because your last “diet” didn’t work, try these tips to not only lose weight, but lose it for good. I have watched hundreds of clients over the years and almost without exception, those that lose their weight once and for all have mastered these tips and made their weight loss Stress Free
? Be Responsible for What You Eat -Studies show that people who are 20 or more pounds overweight underestimate their caloric intake by up to 1000 calories per day, while people of a normal weight under estimate by only several hundred, There are 2 main culprits for this. First, many people are unaccustomed to “true” serving sized of most foods. For a start, begin paying attention to the Serving size information on the foods that you eat. Also, it helps to use a measuring cup and food scale to acclimate yourself to what 1/2 c or 1 tbs. of something actually looks like. Second – Start paying attention to your unconscious eating habits — at the television or the computer, in the car, while you’re cooking or cleaning up — and focus on consciously enjoying the foods you eat, while being aware of the calories you consume.
? Don’t Try To Change everything at once – Focus on making small. moderate changes in your lifestyle each week. Click here to learn more about lifestyle coaching & weight management programs. Each time you make a positive choice it will add up and bring you closer to your goals. If you eat just 100 less calories per day you can lose 10 pounds in a year!! 100 calories is equal to 1/2 cup less of pasta, 1 less tablespoon of butter, or 1/2 cup less of ice cream.
? Just say “NO” to excuses – The difference between fit and unfit people is their habits. There are the same amount of hours and stress in each week for every one of us – those who fit exercise and healthy eating into their lifestyles don’t have more time or less stress, they just have healthier habits. The next time that you are unable to follow through on one of your weight management goals – Identify the challenge and prepare a plan for the next time. Don’t dwell on it or make excuses for why you can’t do it. Be prepared.
? Close Your eyes and visualize – to keep you going even when you don’t feel like it or when the going gets rough. You know the drill, the schedule is hectic, the french fries or candy is calling your name and it’s just easier to slip back into your old unhealthy habits. Take a moment and visualize the slimmer, healthy more energetic person that you want to be. Remember the reason why you started your fitness or nutrition program in the first place!!
Create a clear mental picture and use it next time you feel like you are losing site of your fitness goals.
? Don’t let weight loss dominate your life – Recognize and design a plan for your trigger times – those times that you eat from habit not hunger. Be it stress, anger boredom, or family events create a plan for those times that you have a challenge following your food plan. Also, planning in advance what you will eat for the day will allow you to fit snacks and treats into you day without having exceeding you daily caloric allotment. Having both a food plan and a “food trigger” plan will allow you to focus on other things throughout the day aside from food.
About The Author
Article written by Dianne Villano, President of Custom Bodies Personal Training and Weight Loss Programs. Dianne is a personal fitness instructor certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine with over 16 years of experience who specializes in weight loss programs and programs for beginners. For more articles or free fitness tools visit www.custombodiestampabay.com.
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