If you're trying to lose weight, you may be wondering which dietary approach is best. With all the weight-loss information available, it can be confusing to determine what advice is truly helpful for dropping pounds. These days, many people are interested in all-natural, unprocessed, preservative-free foods rather than packaged foods that contain chemical additives -- whether they're looking to lose weight or not. While eating preservative-free foods is certainly healthy, other factors play into weight loss as well.
Weight-Loss Basics
No matter what foods you choose, losing weight boils down to a simple calories-in/calories-out formula. As explained by MayoClinic.com, to lose weight, you must take in fewer calories than you burn off each day -- specifically, the loss of 1 lb. requires burning off 3,500 more calories than you ingest. Theoretically, how you go about cutting calories and increasing calorie-burn is up to you; but of course, healthy foods are most beneficial to your body.
How Preservative-Free Foods Can Help
If you're concerned about the effects of consuming artificial ingredients, all-natural, preservative-free foods are a good choice. An added bonus is that most natural, unprocessed foods are diet-friendly. The Harvard School of Public Health states that the best diet is one that is plant-based and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Not coincidentally, these types of foods are not only additive-free, but are typically high-fiber, low-fat and low-calorie as well -- perfect for a weight-loss diet.
Other Considerations
The best way to lose weight is to combine your healthy dietary choices with regular exercise for increased calorie-burning. The Women's Sports Medicine Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery advises combining up to an hour of vigorous cardiovascular exercise -- such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, jogging or swimming -- several days per week, with regular strength training two to three times per week to build muscle and raise metabolism.
Overall Health Benefits
In addition to helping with weight loss by often being low in calories, preservative-free foods provide other health benefits. Many additive-free foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes are rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that protect against conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and some types of cancer. By choosing preservative-free foods, you can work on losing weight while enjoying the knowledge that you're also helping your body stay strong and healthy.
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