Losing weight the healthy way

It may be tempting to start following the advice of these enthusiastic experts, but the truth is that rather than promoting optimal health and fitness, their main goal is to make money off consumers who are seduced by flashy words, enticing promises and the desire to follow the hottest trend.

If you are really committed to losing weight and staying fit, you should know that fitness and weight loss are much more than trends to follow so you can be like everyone else.

Fitness and weight loss are lifelong commitments that take time and hard work, and by following some simple, time-honoured, tips you will notice gradual but solid improvements in your overall health.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Diet trends over the years have sent consumers mixed messages. Some diets insist that all carbohydrates must be avoided. Some diets advise that you should only be eating raw fruits and vegetables. Some diets tell you that all you need to do is replace your meals with special shakes.

None of these diets are in your best interest, because the body needs a balanced diet in order to stay strong and healthy.

This means you should be eating the kinds of foods that will give you protein, fibre, calcium, carbohydrates, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

A balanced diet allows you to enjoy foods that taste good, such as fruits and vegetables, cheese, meat, pasta, bread, and more.

Make sure you are enjoying sensible portions, and choosing unprocessed, organic foods whenever possible, in order to ensure you will not be consuming harmful chemicals or additives with your food.

Get the Right Kind of Exercise

Eating right is the first step to losing weight, but it also helps to have a good workout routine.

Cardiovascular activities are at the heart of a good workout routine, so think about activities you enjoy that get your heart pumping, and practice those activities on a regular basis.

For some people, this might be briskly walking or jogging around their neighborhood. Others enjoy swimming, basketball, or other sports.

Weight lifting will also help you lose weight, but studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise burns even more calories than weight lifting, and the more calories you burn, the more weight you will lose.

Stay Focused on Your Goals

The most important step in your weight loss commitment is to stay focused on your fitness and health goals.

Decide on an ideal weight you would like to reach, figure out how long it should take you to reach that weight, and track your progress.

Keep a food diary so you know exactly what you are eating, and how you can make improvements to your diet.

Stay committed to your goals and soon you will find yourself not just looking better, but also feeling better.

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