5 Tips that Will Change the Way You Think About Weight Loss

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Most people think staying fit is all about strict discipline, endless lifting, and self-deprivation. Funny enough, we live in a time of infinite information. All over the world, information has transformed the way people live. From how local employers advertise jobs in Ghana to how couples in Hong Kong choose which bar to hang out after work.

However, getting accurate and relevant information isn’t always easy. And for this reason, many are denying themselves the simple pleasures of life like that favorite meal.

The truth is, you need the right approach and understanding of diet to get fit and remain fit. With this, you will find that there’s room in your diet for any kind of food (especially in the ones you love most. A key fact to keep in mind; what and when you eat matters far more than how much you ingest.

Even though how much you eat and what you eat matters as far as fitness is concerned, recent research has proved that the amount of total calories contained in your meals is more crucial than the source of the calories.

A good Example:

Raisin Brans might seem like a much healthier option than a doughnut hole, but do you know that one serving of the former contains about the same amounts of calories as 11/2 donuts? So yes what you eat is of a much greater importance if you will consider the number of calories.

You may be wondering:

“What are Calories, exactly?”

Calories are simply a measurement of the amount of energy contained in any given amount of food or drink. And so far as our bodies and daily nutrition are concerned, any time we take in food or drinks containing more calories than we need, our bodies convert and store the excess as fat.

Therefore, in order to maintain a healthy body mass, the average man and woman needs about 2500kcal and 2000kcal per day respectively. But these values may vary for individuals depending on size and daily activity.

Bearing this information in minds let’s consider some common misconceptions of fitness:

1. Work Out and Eat Whatever you Like, Whenever you like

This is top of the list because I had this erroneous belief for years. And trust me I paid dearly for it. Chances are this will be one of your biggest barriers to achieving your fitness goals in the gym. The temptation to ingest all the delicacies you come across and work them out of your system later in the gym is a deception. Because it’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. At best you most likely become slim-fat.

2. Skipping Meals and Juice Fasting to Lose Weight

Extreme weight loss measures like crash dieting, fasting and skipping meals only create an illusion of weight loss. These practices lead to loss of muscle mass. Since the body is forced to burn precious muscle to supply energy. And since you are losing muscle mass instead of actual fat, the weight loss can be likened to a mirage. And really disappears as soon as you return to normal diet, reversing all your gains and negating any progress you made.

3. Fast Foods are totally forbidden

If fast foods are really what your heart yearns for, it might be too drastic a measure and too difficult an adjustment to make. It’s almost unthinkable to consider the possibility of completely stopping. For this reason, it’s more practical if fast food is worked into a carefully thought dietary plan. However, it’s advised you stir clear of fried foods like French fries and mayonnaise, and rather, opt for grilled foods.

4. All Starchy Foods are Fattening

For insulin resistant people, your bodies have the tendency to more readily convert carbohydrates derived calories to fat than to burn it for energy. However, carbohydrates and starches for that matter contain a lesser amount of calories gram than other types of food. So again, the main point to watch is the number of calories.

5. Weight Loss is a Linear Process

Most of us think the path to weight loss is a linear one. Well, it’s not. This path contains many ups and downs. Some days you will and loss some whilst others you gain a little. But this shouldn’t serve to discourage you. Mainly because it is totally with the norm for the daily weight to keep fluctuating to and fro by a few pounds. The reason is that your body may be holding too much or too little water or your digestive system might be carrying more food today than yesterday.

What’s the bottom line?

Many people tell of how difficult they find it to lose weight. And if you are one of these people, then its time you started paying attention to the right things. Not to mention the many health benefits, but, it simply feels amazing to be in great shape. And though many people will love to experience this feeling they never concentrate on their food.

So next time you want to eat, sit down at a table, turn off all distractions like the phone, TV or computer. Then really slowly appreciate your meal. Carefully consider its aroma, chew gently and slowly and then try to swallow before going for another bite.

 

Author Bio: Faustinus is an SEM and SEO professional. He uses blogging and content marketing as a launchpad for small businesses and affordable job advertising sites in Ghana looking to grow their online presence.

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