There are many weight loss programs available today, all with their own theory of the best way to lose inches and shed pounds. If you've tried your share of weight loss programs and none of them have worked for you, well don't feel alone. Thousands of people every year start weight loss programs or join fitness clubs only to find their not losing inches, there too tired to do the routine, and their hungry.
Better To Increase Metabolism Then Decrease Calories
The reason low calorie diets and low calorie plan weight loss programs don't work is that your body is programmed to decrease metabolism in response to less food. The body as a means of survival slows down the rate it burns calories and in turns starts storing fat.
Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories. This rate can differ significantly from person to person for various reasons such as age, physical condition, and the amount of fat and muscle in your body. If you have a low metabolism, your body burns off fat and calories at a slower rate than someone with a higher metabolism.
A slowed metabolism is the main reason that most weight loss programs are not working. If an insufficient amount of calories are provided the bodies metabolism will slow down the process of burning calories and you will be left feeling tired, having a hard time getting through the day, and you won't be able to shed the weight or lose inches the way you want to.
Increase Metabolism and Jump Start Your Weight Loss
At midthirties, metabolism slows by 3 to 5 % every 10 years, so by age 55, you need 150 fewer calories a day than you did in your midthirties. To increase metabolism as you grow older, you will need to cut back on calories, so your intake is adjusted or increase your activity level to burn more calories and lose inches again. If you don't make these adjustments to increase metabolism, your body will store the additional fat, and you will gain weight.
Adjusting Your Diet and Adding Protein Supplements
You can increase metabolism as much as two to three times by eating proteins versus carbohydrates and fats. Bodybuilders commonly use protein supplements to increase metabolism and to preserve a healthy muscle structure.
But don't cut out carbohydrates altogether. Choose complex high-fiber carbohydrates like high-fiber vegetables and cereals; these burn more calories than simple carbohydrates. You can increase metabolism by focusing on quality protein, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, with an occasional high-fiber grain. Protein is fuel for your body. Chicken, lean meats, and dairy products are excellent choices. Adding protein supplements is a good way to insure you are getting in your diet.
Water
I am sure you've heard it said before but well worth repeating...you must drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day to keep an ideal metabolism rate.
Aerobic Exercise
Get as much aerobic exercise daily as you can safely handle. If you have been away from exercise for awhile, a good way to start back slowly is by walking. As your fitness improves you can start to include other aerobic exercises. Exercising early in the day will kick start your metabolism and have it firing all-day long.
Body Detoxification
Body detoxification has been a popular subject in the media in recent days and for good reason. Body detoxification involves taking steps to remove chemicals and toxins accumulated in the body and helps to maintain optimal health overall. There are many products available on the market today for removing toxins from your body. I would suggest finding a natural detox program that works with your bodies normal functions.
A natural detox program will address all the areas of the body and all major organs involved, such as colon, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and digestive system. The best natural detox systems provide you with nutrients and supplements that further insure an optimal health experience.
Sponsored Weight Loss Programs
The first reason being that you want to break the mindset that there is one and only one right way for you to eat. Don't think of yourself in terms of "Oh, I'm a Lo-Carber" or "Oh, I can't eat anything that has a J or T in the name." Eventually you will find a program to maintain your ideal weight but there will still be times when your goals change. There will be times where you want quick weight loss and one of the many weight loss programs will work better for those times.
A low carb diet can be great for dropping a few pounds and getting back into that little black dress for the big party. That same program may not suit you for maintaining your weight. Remember, you can't lose weight forever and if you are always eating like you are trying for weight loss you are not developing the right mindset for getting to your goal weight and maintaining it.
When you have figured out which programs work for you, use them as you need. Some weight loss programs are better than others depending on the situation. Go low carb for a month or two. Switch to a higher carb routine for the holidays or a vacation. There are no restrictions on what you can do with this and it can make life easier knowing that.
The second reason is that you will end up cutting out of your diet a whole bunch of healthy foods... forever. Many of those restricted foods have great health benefits when eaten as part of an overall sensible eating plan. Even cake in moderation is good for the soul. I said in moderation, stop trying to rationalize that 1/2 dozen chocolate glazed donuts. There are not enough anti-oxidants in chocolate to justify it.
The third reason is that variety is the spice of life. Why reduce the pleasure in your life with unnecessary restrictions. When going out to eat or to a party you can't always control what is available. And once you start on the path of diet envy from watching other people enjoying themselves and you can't have one little taste it is hard to stay on track. Unless you have a medical or religious reason don't deprive yourself.
In addition to keeping things interesting you avoid some diet pitfalls. Do remember that your thought follow your actions. If your actions are not in alignment with your thoughts you create emotional conflict. For example if you think of yourself as an "Anti-J/T Food" dieter and then have a Tuna steak for dinner followed up with some soothing Tea you may start mentally whipping yourself and that can derail your future efforts. You get enough grief from your parents don't start creating more problems for yourself.
Find a few different weight loss programs that work for you and use them when you like. Some are more adaptable to a maintenance diet than others and some can help you shed fat like magic. Ultimately, don't complicate your life through unnecessary restriction. Considering how short life is, enjoy the little pleasures when you can.
Tod Syversen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Learn Hypnosis and Build Muscle. ? Learn what has kept you from losing fat before and what you can do about it.. Tod Syversen's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
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