Weight loss continues to be a challenge for millions of people around the globe. If people are living an active lifestyle, eating healthy foods and paying attention to how many servings or portions are being consumed, the weight will come off.
Here are 5 quick ways to lose weight:
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s best to drink water before or between meals so that food can be easily digested. Drinking ice cold water actually helps the body burn more calories because it has to use energy to warm up the water after it has been ingested. Drinking water prior to a meal will actually help one to feel fuller sooner, which helps people to consume less food.
Eat 5-7 Small Meals Per Day
Be sure to include a large breakfast with plenty of carbohydrates (or carbs) and lessen the amount of carbohydrates consumed at each meal as the day goes on, making sure that no carbs are consumed immediately prior to going to bed for the night. Try eating 3 healthy meals containing a good mixture of carbs, proteins and fats and then consume 2 healthy snacks throughout the day, like nuts, seeds, fresh fruits or vegetables.
Keep a Food Diary
Write down everything that is eaten and analyze it at the end of each week. Be sure to write down the exact portion that was consumed. For example, if a bowl of cereal is eaten, don’t just write that a bowl of cereal was eaten. Keep track of how many servings of cereal were consumed, and if milk was added, the number of servings needs to be added to that specific meal.
Participate in Cardiovascular Activity
Cardiovascular (or cardio) activities are any type of physical activity that increase the heart rate. This type of exercise is most effective when the heart rate is elevated for a period of at least 20 minutes. Jogging, swimming, running, cycling or even walking are all great ways to burn excess calories which will help to lose weight quickly.
Lift Weights 3 Times Per Week for 30-45 minutes
Lifting weights, also known as strength training, is a great way to build muscle and increase the resting metabolic rate, allowing one to burn more calories at rest. Be sure to focus on the major muscle groups like the back, chest, legs and the abdominals. Lifting weights also helps to burn calories all over your body which can result in a loss of weight over time.
People can’t expect to rely on fad diets and sitting on the couch as reliable, long term weight loss solutions. Eating less and exercising more will help anybody lose weight fast. Being healthy and fit is a lifestyle that one must become accustomed to and follow for the remainder of their lifetime in order to achieve long term results.
Melinda Friedland - Melinda Friedland was recently married in the summer of 2009 and has 4 young children so she knows what it's like to be busy. She has been ...
