Back To Basics – Losing Weight
Sometimes, I feel it’s necessary to “get back to basics” when talking about weight loss. There are so many get-skinny-quick gimmicks out there these days, and while some of them actually DO work, most of them do not. While navigating the sometimes bumpy seas of weight loss information, it’s very important to always remember the basics!
Each and every person has a different type of body structure. You have to do the exercise that fits you best, and ones that you are comfortable with. The best way to burn fat for losing weight is by doing cardiovascular exercises. Some good cardiovascular exercises are walking, running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics playing tennis, basketball, etc. The list goes on – but you get the point. You also need to eat lower calorie foods in addition to cardiovascular exercises. You have to make your workouts a regular habit so that it will be effective. You can first do walking for 15 or so minutes to warm up, and then continue your regular exercises such as jogging or swimming. Some common ways to integrate exercise into your daily schedule may include:
- Walk to the nearby places without using your car.
- Use stairs instead of elevators/escalators.
- Use your bike instead of your car on the weekends when you have more time.
- Instead of siting at your desk on that hour-long conference call, walk while talking on your cell.
- Cleaning your house, your car, your bike, or pretty much any other thing includes serious cardio when done right!
These habits make you regularly do some extra exercise in addition to that of your morning exercises. This will be very helpful to lose weight! You’d be surprised how quickly the calories you burn add up throughout the day! Morning exercises also keep you brisk and energetic all day long.
The basic foods you have to avoid to burn fat and lose weight are:
- Avoid carbohydrate rich foods, especially later in the day
- Avoid junk foods (chips, etc.)
- Avoid oily and spicy foods
- Avoid drinking soft drinks
- Avoid salt whenever possible
- Avoid drinking more than 2 cups of tea or coffee per day
The foods you should eat more of include:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat fiber rich foods
- Drink fresh fruit juices.
- Eat a small meal every 2 – 3 hours.
Do exercises regularly for at least 5 days out of the week, and try to eat healthy the entire week. “Cheat days” are a common phrase that I hear, but unless you can avoid it I do not recommend a “cheat day” on any given schedule. By al means, if a special event (birthday party, etc.) comes up then it’s ok to have a cheat day – just don’t make “every Saturday is my cheat day”.
By getting back to these basics, as well as incorporating other information found on this site and other health & fitness sites, you should be able to get that weight off and keep it off!
