Trying to find the best way to eat and exercise to lose weight can be a challenge. One piece of advice that has never led people astray is eating sensibly, watching your portions, and staying with a regular exercise routine. These basic rules, along with a few others, can help you lose weight faster if you're willing to stay dedicated to whatever program you choose to follow. Many people have lost weight by following these basic guidelines, and you can too.
Step 1
Set realistic goals for yourself. If you're trying to lose a large amount of weight, aim for 3 to 5 lbs. at first. Add another small weight loss goal when this one is achieved.
Step 2
Initiate a regular exercise program and follow through with it.
Step 3
Add other means of exercise into your daily routine. Instead of taking the elevator, try using the stairs from now on. A little calorie burn goes a long way.
Step 4
Eat healthy fats from fish, almonds, olive oil and other high-fiber foods, like vegetables and whole grains.
Step 5
Eat foods that you tend to enjoy. Learn how to make your favorites healthier by checking recipes online or in cookbooks. Eating should be fun and never a chore.
Step 6
Try to eat smaller meals, more frequently. The more often you digest food, the faster your metabolism gets and the quicker you lose weight.
Step 7
Plan your meals. Shop ahead and use a master schedule. You're less likely to eat something unhealthy if you don't have easy access to it.
Step 8
Always keep track of your workouts and eating habits in a journal. This way you can see what needs to be done to improve your program, should you begin to stall or backslide.
Tips and Warnings
- Try losing weight with friends or a group. Carry a healthy snack with you so you're not tempted to eat junk foods. Choose unconventional exercises, such as hiking, joining a sports team or dancing. Hire a professional trainer to help motivate you.
- Avoid making any extreme changes to your diet without first consulting a physician. Do not starve yourself to lose weight quickly. This cause harm to your body and make it easier for you to gain weight after you begin eating normal again.
References
- "Sports Nutrition Manual"; National Federation of Professional Trainers, Mark P. Kelly, et al.; 2006
- "ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer"; American College of Sports Medicine; 2010
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals, 3rd Edition"; Cedric X. Bryant; 2003
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