We live in a society where weight loss has become such a huge industry because of poor diet and inactivity. There are popular television shows like the Biggest Loser and entire networks dedicated to fitness. Late night television infomercials try to provide a quick fix for the overweight. All of this is unnecessary because fitness is extremely easy to learn. I lost 60 pounds over the course of a year because I realized that I had to learn how to exercise and eat to improve my health and overall lifestyle.
The first thing I did was start exercising. This is the most vital step toward weight loss. It is natural for the body to crave food in times of plenty, but it is also natural for the body to be in a statement of movement to burn calories. Sedentary lifestyles do not fit in with our evolutionarily designed bodies. Our ancestors were busy chasing their dinner, not sitting at a desk.
Any kind of exercise is beneficial. Ideally a work-out regimen should consist of weight lifting, cardio, and an overall active lifestyle. Weight lifting actually tears muscles slightly. And while it sounds bad, the body is in a constant state of repair and growth, so weightlifting fits into that natural process. Muscle uses more calories than fat, and weight lifting will increase metabolic rate in the 24-hour recovery period after exercise. Cardio is also essential for a strong heart and to burn calories quickly. And simply moving around in day to day life can burn 700 calories more for a 180 pound male and 500 calories more for a 140 pound female.
Diet is also essential to losing weight. Fast food chains and packaged meals are terrible for health and not conducive to weight loss. An ideal natural weight loss diet will not look much different than the food pyramid that you learned in high school. Lean meats are essential for protein that will fill you up and help you repair your muscles and cells from working out. Whole grains and rices will provide energy from natural carbohydrates. Finally fruits and vegetables are great ways to get vitamins and minerals for an extra burst of energy. Don't be afraid to have an occasional cheeseburger or candy bar as long as you're working out hard and it's eaten in moderation.
Weight loss isn't that different from what you learned from your high school health and physical education teachers. It isn't a complicated thing; in fact it's natural to our bodies. Using gimmicks, weight-loss shakes, fancy workout machines, and diet pills won't make you thin, but they will leave your wallet thin and they can affect your health. So just follow some easy steps. Be active, find some motivation to get healthy, and eat natural, unprocessed food. The weight will start coming off and you'll be happier and healthier.