Exercise-A Great Way to Lose Weight

We all want a quick fix when it comes to weight loss. We are always hearing advertisements about this new pill or weight loss system that is guaranteed to help you lose weight fast without exercising. While diets are a start, the only way to effectively lose weight is to add the element of exercise to the equation. But contrary to what you hear or see on television, it is mandatory to exercise to lose weight.

Although you need to exercise to lose weight, it is very important that you work on your diet too. It is recommended that you eat approximately five to six small meals a day instead of three large ones. By doing this, you would be eating every two to three hours as you would incorporate a snack in between each meal. This is where portion control comes into play. You would have a small breakfast consisting of a carbohydrate and a protein and then a few hours later, have a small snack. You would follow this process with the rest of your meals. It is important to eliminate the “junk” food from your diet. This means all the processed and sugar laden foods! Be sure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits as they contain the highest vitamin value and are so good for you.

While is it common knowledge that you need to exercise to lose weight, this is the most resisted part of any weight loss program. Let’s face it; most people just do not want to exercise. We come up with so many excuses NOT to exercise; I’m too tired, I will start tomorrow, I don’t feel good, I don’t have enough time. Bottom line, if you want to lose weight you will have to get off the couch and exercise. To lose weight, you need to elevate your metabolism rate and to do that you have to participate in an aerobic type exercise that will get your heart rate elevated for about 30-40 minutes at least 4 times a week. By increasing your metabolism, you are helping your body to burn calories. There are many different activities that will let you achieve this such as walking, jogging, running and cycling. If it has been quite some time since you last exercised, don’t jump in and run a marathon, take it slow.

In addition to having a balanced, healthy diet and regular exercise to lose weight, you need to keep yourself properly hydrated. Drinking at least 8 to 10 cups of water a day is a must. Water helps flush all the impurities from your system. Drinking water before each meal also acts like an appetite suppressant as it gives you a “full” feeling; therefore you end up eating less.

For long lasting weight loss results, developing a daily exercise regime and healthy eating habits is more than a passing fad, it is a lifestyle change. Bottom line is, not matter what you have to do some form of exercise to lose weight!