It is generally accepted that being overweight and instances of Obesity are on the increase. The question is, Why?
We all lead much busier lives than we used to. During a recession, we work harder to keep pace with rising costs which in turn can contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. Take-outs and fast food are easy solutions after a busy and stressful day. We also have more technology than ever before, so instead of exercising, we sit behind computers and gadgets in our ever decreasing down time.
But this can cause all sorts of health problems for you both now and in the future. Often, we just fall into these bad habits and put our health at risk, but there is a way out.
Breaking the cycle involves some changes in behaviour, but the problem is where do you start? Here is a simple but effective list of tips that can help you on your way to a healthier you:
1. Find out what your BMI is.
This will tell you if you are overweight, and by how much. Very simply, you divide your weight (kg) by your height in meters, squared. The result will indicate where you are on the scale and shows where you should be for your height and weight. There are plenty of websites that show you how to do this or alternatively, consult your doctor.
2. Set a plan - but make it realistic!
Decide your weight loss target and then devise a plan that takes small steps towards it. You will need to review your lifestyle and make a few changes. Challenge yourself to eat 100 calories less a day and do 10 minutes exercise. Then you can step this up in month 2 etc. Keep it simple and realistic, as gradual weight loss is easier to sustain and keep off - so beware fad diets and potions that offer instant results. They very often fail!
3. Food and drink - Watch what you put in!
Start by giving yourself smaller portions and then migrate towards healthier options. You can still have great tasting and satisfying food without heading to the take-away! As a general rule, half of your plate should be veg; a quarter should be carbs and a quarter protein. Make sure there is also plenty of fibre to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Plan in 3 meals a day, and also watch what you drink. Cut down on the calorie laden booze and avoid the obvious culprits like sugary pop and even fruit juice, which contains lots of good stuff, including fibre, but is also full of sugar!
Some foods can also actually help you to burn fat, so consider adding chilli, onions, garlic, blueberries, broccoli and more whole grains to your shopping list.
4. A bit of pain!!
In other words, you will need to start an exercise programme. Again, start slowly, with maybe just walking. You don't need to become a gym bunny (unless you really want to), but fat burning will mean that you will need to up your activity. In simple terms, to burn fat, you need to burn off more calories than you consume. There are many great resources out there to help you to do this. Try the following:
5. Dreamy Sleep - and lots of it.
Your body needs sleep to rest and repair itself. Lack of adequate sleep places stress on the body which in turn can lead to health problems including weight gain.
6. Avoid the scam mongers!
Despite the claims that you may see, there are no miracle overnight fat burning or weight loss cures, and there are certainly no magic pills or potions that will give you the lasting results that you are looking for. Some remedies may help as part of an overall programme, but don't rely on any one thing to lose weight - it takes time and effort!
7. See your Doc
Before starting any diet or exercise programme, it is always good to check it out with your doctor first. They will be able to offer support and advice on what may be best for you
I have already mentioned the need to increase your activity through exercise, but what kind of exercise work best? You could spend hours plodding on treadmills or peddling on static bikes, which of course will be better than doing nothing, but what you need is a fast and efficient method for fat burning, that has lasting results.
So, what is the answer?
Short sharp bursts of exercise that really make you sweat will give you much quicker and longer lasting results, simply by helping you replace fat with muscle.
Fact: Muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells - even at rest!
The good news is that you don't have to turn yourself into a gym slave to burn fat. You can start gently just by walking, but you will at some stage need to start pushing your body harder, albeit in short bursts. Combining this with a few simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. For more free information and tips on the simple changes that you can make visit, http://www.shiftmybelly.com/
Here you will also find a link to an incredible free video that shows a really fast, sustainable and effective way to burn fat - long term!