Losing weight is something that typically does not come easy for most. It requires a certain level of discipline and focus that many feel they haven't the time for, but since your life is in the balance, I feel one's health should become a priority.
Unfortunately, there is no magic elixir or secret exercise that will make you lose fat instantly. It takes hard work. It requires a blend of regular exercise and a nutritious diet in order for optimal success to be achieved. One pound of fat equals 3500 calories, plain and simple, and since it is never recommended that one loses any more than 2-3 lbs. in a week, it would be reasonable to cut back 500 calories a day. So, cut out the french fries and replace it with something like celery sticks or steamed broccoli. If this is done every day for a week, a pound will be lost; guaranteed!
Some trainers actually advise a seriously deconditioned client to work on their diet before hitting the gym. Next, the idea that eating more will only add to your fat is a deeply entrenched myth that needs to be clarified.
It has actually been clinically proven that eating more meals but of smaller portions keeps your metabolism elevated and thus helps burn more calories than the traditional approach of three large meals a day. Ideally, these meals should be spaced out roughly 3-4 hours apart and should contain a good source of protein and a good source of carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, pasta, potatoes, corn, beans, peas, apples, leafy green vegetables, and firmer, darker breads. Some ideal sources of protein can be found in chicken, turkey, seafood of all types, and lean cuts of beef among other kinds. To give you an idea on how to exhibit portion control, aim to have your protein be no larger or smaller than a deck of cards, and your side of veggies no bigger than your fist. Aim for 5 meals of this size a day and your diet will be set for success. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to supplement your diet with a multivitamin, just to ensure a complete and proper diet.
When concerning exercise, make sure that you work intelligently and know that lifting weights requires a certain level of understanding, and in some instances, expertise. So, read up before you run down to the gym for the first time.
Weight training is believed to have longer lasting effects on the metabolism than simple aerobic exercise and the harder the better, so I typically indoctrinate my clients in the world of weightlifting from the very beginning. In some clinical trials the subject's resting metabolic rate was still elevated 39 hours after strenuous exercise! When lifting weights, be sure to keep workouts to a 3 day per week maximum, at least for the first 3-4 months or so. This will ensure that the body's neural pathways have adapted to the new level of exertion and that the connective tissue in the joints have been adequately strengthened before adding a fourth workout day. Make sure you pick exercises that utilize the most muscle groups as possible in order to burn the most calories. Many like to choose a pushing exercise, a pulling exercise, a leg exercise , and a core exercise and perform 20-25 repetitions for each movement and make a circuit out of it. This could be done three times total and that would be an excellent workout. Just make sure you choose a weight that you can handle for no more than 20-25 repetitions. This will make it challenging for your body, which will ultimately result in greater fat loss for you. Also, keep workouts to a 45 minute maximum. The body can't handle much more abuse past that point. And once you finish your workout, it should be noted that you have a one hour window of opportunity to eat a meal of ample carbohydrates and moderate protein to make sure you replenish your energy stores and fuel your body for muscle growth, otherwise self-cannibalism on the muscle tissue will ensue and, yes, it's as bad as it sounds. But if you follow these simple rules of fitness, keep your portion sizes under control, and eat plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, then a newer, trimmer you looms over the horizon. I guarantee it. |
