Are you looking for the workouts to Lose That Last Five Pounds?
Are you leaving out one of the main cornerstones for optimal health and fitness?
Often, when we put together a fitness plan, we leave out part of the equation. Some people will only do weight training, others just aerobics, and some only diet.
But for optimal health and wellness, you need to be well-rounded in all three areas. If you are doing a good job at combining all three and still are not getting the results you want, I may have the key to help you lose those extra pounds.
The missing ingredient that I see most with clients struggling to lose those stubborn extra pounds is inconsistency in their eating patterns. I ask them, “How often do you eat each day?” The most frequent answer is two to three times.
Most of us are fooled into thinking that in order to lose weight, we should eat as little as possible. This is simply not true.
Here is the problem with going for an extended period without eating: Your body thinks you are starving, and, as a result, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. When you do eat, the food is stored as fat.
Want to lose fat? Eat four to six small meals a day to kick your metabolism into high gear. Eating smaller meals throughout the day forces your body to burn calories all day long, and the results are amazing.
When you begin to eat in a “grazing” fashion, your body will respond by dropping unwanted pounds.
Still, there is always resistance from clients when I tell them they need to eat more frequently. Here are some of the excuses I get.
1. “I don’t have the time.”
Now you and I both know that, no matter how stressful or demanding your job is, you can still find five minutes every few hours for a snack. The issue here is not that you don’t have the time — it is that you just aren’t making it.
2. “I tried it and it didn’t work.”
I simply don’t believe it. There is no way that you really tried it and it didn’t work. Try it again with my foolproof plan (below).
3. “I forget to eat.”
The key here is to be as organized as possible. Think ahead and pack small meals so that they are ready to go. With a little effort, you will be eating every few hours like clockwork.
The foolproof plan
· Eat small, nutritious meals every three hours throughout the day. Eat your first within 30 minutes of waking.
· Make sure that each meal contains quality protein, complex carbohydrates, monounsaturated fats and fiber.
· Remember that your goal is to eat more often, not more calories each day.
· Keep a food log. Write down what you eat when you eat it, and take time to review your progress.
· What should you eat? Whole grains, fresh fruits, lean protein and veggies. I encourage you to use this powerful weight-loss strategy in your quest for a fit and healthful lifestyle. You won’t be disappointed.
Written By: Andy Salazar Owner of Empower Fitness Training Visalia, CA
