Despite what some may say, losing fat isn’t just about eating less – it’s about eating the right foods and sticking to a balanced routine of activity. This doesn’t always mean that a small increase in activity will translate into a corresponding gain in weight. The key to successful fat loss is planning and making smart food choices. Below are some tips to assist you with your personal food plans as well as strategies for listening to your body and making sure that you are burning fat at the right rate.
Drink plenty of water
It is important to drink plenty of water. The amount of water consumed needs to be based on activity level. For example, if you walk about five miles each day, then you should aim to drink eight glasses of water each day. If you jog most days but go for long drives in the country, then you may need to drink more. The amount of water needed changes with age, temperature, and stress levels.
Reduce salt
One way to lose weight is to reduce the amount of salt you consume. Salt is a calorie-dense food that contains large amounts of sodium. When you reduce your salt intake it frees up your energy levels which can then be used for physical activity rather than storing away fat. It can also help those with high blood pressure have less chest pain and heart problems by lowering blood pressure.
Get your protein
It’s also ideal to boost your lean protein consumption by eating foods that are low in carbs and high in fat, such as mushrooms, spinach and nuts. Avoid storing carbohydrates in the refrigerator until noon, as that’s when most snacking takes place (this goes for tomatoes too – tomato skins contain high levels of sugars). Mix some nuts and seeds into smoothies, or keep them on your countertop for a couple of minutes before adding them to your meal.
