You don't need to take big steps to get fit!

If you been reading these regular Posts on WhyWeight, firstly, a big thanks! Secondly, if you are worried that taking the first step is a bit daunting and you feel anxious about gyms, Personal Trainers, Group Classes and getting out and about with what may have so been advocated, fear not! I assure you that you are not alone! In 'ezineartcles' I came across these few paragraphs (http://EzineArticles.com/8769146) from Raman Kuppuswamy (http://EzineArticles.com/expert=Raman_Kuppuswamy) that makes a lot of sense and will help you ease your way into a routine that you can manage easily, quietly and still successfully.



Who does not want to lead a fit and healthy life? But not many may be willing to take big steps like doing strenuous exercises, etc. for maintaining their fitness. If you also belong to this group, you can make a few small changes to your lifestyle and routine and can derive immense health benefits.

Unnecessary Calories
Fitness experts point out that when we experience a feeling of hunger, it may not really be hunger but it may be thirst. According to them, thirst can give the feeling of hunger. So, we should drink water first and see if the feeling of hunger subsides. Only if the feeling does not subside, we should eat our food. If you commit the mistake of eating when you have to really drink water, you will be adding unnecessary calories.

Reduce your intake of beverages
Beverages surreptitiously add to the calories you consume. Further, beverages like coffee and tea are diuretic also and they may dehydrate your system. You can argue that this dehydration is mild but even this may sap your energy and you may soon become tired. Instead of beverages, you must ensure to drink plenty of water that will improve your health phenomenally by keeping you hydrated always.

Occasional fasting helps
It is true that starving on a regular basis is dangerous. But it may not harm if you skip your meal once in a while. Researches also reveal that such occasional skipping of meals bestows some good health benefits to the human body.

Make sure to consume antioxidants
Antioxidants help us a lot by countering the ill-effects of free radicals. Thanks to the increase in the pollution levels, free radicals are everywhere and when they enter our body, it may lead to several ailments. But if you ensure to add foods that contain a good amount of antioxidants, you need not have any fear about free radicals. Some of the foods that contain antioxidants are leafy vegetables, fresh and colorful fruits, some types of meats, fish, poultry, etc.

Never forego your sleep
You can achieve big health gains if you have a good sleep during nights. It is a proven fact that it is only during sleep that your body carries out the repairing tasks and remedies even the damages caused due to strenuous workouts or stress. Sleeping for 7 to 8 hours a day is very vital for keeping good health. Those who forego sleep regularly may lose their emotional balance also.

Be mindful of what you eat
In addition to avoiding eating like a glutton, you must watch what you eat also. If you eat slowly, chances of over-eating come down. Likewise, distractions like TV viewing, etc. may result in over-eating. You must consciously choose nutritious foods in order to maintain good health.

Occasional sprinting
Fitness experts advise that every one of us should sprint occasionally. Even sprinting twice a week may bestow excellent cardiovascular benefits. You need not run long distances. Short sprinting is enough to give a boost to your fitness levels.

Shun desserts
Instead of desserts, you can opt for fresh fruits that are healthier. The calories desserts contain are 'empty calories'. By avoiding them, you are preventing energy fluxes. This step may not only increase your energy but will help you in reducing your waistline.

Walk, Walk and Walk
Never be afraid of walking. The more you walk, the more healthy you will be. In fact, walking is the easiest of exercises and can bestow enormous health benefits on a long-term basis. Whenever you go for a walk, make it a point to walk some extra steps. You will see its benefits in the long run.

WhyWeight - don't hesitate, participate, before it's too late!

-Steve, at WhyWeight-

Counting calories - a key to weight loss.

With changes to your diet and your eating habits a suggestion you are likely to hear time & time again, is start a food log to measure what you eat, when you eat, how much you eat, the make up of your diet and to determine your calorific intake daily. Counting calories is an important part of this, as ultimately you need to put more out, than you put in in order to lose weight and for it to remain lost! This is a very quick read from ezinearticle author Al V (http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_V) and found at (http://EzineArticles.com/8503301)


If losing weight has been a challenge for you, your weight loss strategies may need to be revisited. What have you been doing to achieve your goals? Have you realised what's causing consistent increase on your body weight? Here's a fresh start - try counting calories! More than the amount of food you consume, the quantity of calories explain a lot about your weight. Here are some good points about the importance of counting calories.

Calorie : Defined
Calorie is term used to measure the amount of energy given by food. Logically, managing calorie consumption can help you a lot to better manage your weight and overall wellness. It is not just the amount of food you eat but the actual load that is in the food. This becomes a challenge since not everyone knows the amount of calories found in each food.

Calorie Deficit
One of the most effective weight loss strategies is the creation of calorie deficit. The logic is simple, either you decrease the amount of food you eat or you increase the amount of physical activities you perform. The key is constant monitoring of your food intake and physical activities. If you have consumed more than your regular meal, be proactive to add more exercise hours. Nutritionists suggest that in order to lose 3 pounds, 10,000 calories must be burned.

Muscle Metabolism
While minimal food intake is part of the road map to weight loss, there are some precautions that need to be taken, such as muscle metabolism. It is the body's tendency to break down muscle tissues resulting from inadequate amount of food to burn as energy. A diet high in protein and low in fats should be considered in order to avoid this condition.

Basal Metabolic Rate
It has been a misconception that while the body is at rest, no fuel is burned. Even at rest, different processes take place inside the body. This is measured by basal metabolic rate (BMR). To stay fit and healthy, BMR should be taken in consideration. Minimizing food intake is not enough to achieve optimum weight loss.

Counting calories has always been a challenge for everybody. Losing weight is a science. With consistent monitoring of your calorie intake, you are on your way to successful weight management and overall fitness. Stop focusing on your body shape. Focus on the food you eat. Numerous times you have heard, you are what you eat. Stay fit. Stay healthy.

WhyWeight - don't hesitate, participate, before it's too late!

-Steve, at WhyWeight-