Thursday, April 17, 2008

Weight Loss and Fitness

The amount of calories you consume and the amount of energy you expand is directly related to weight loss or gain. Simple, right? Not really quite as simple as that. There are other factors that come into play that are not talked about too much.

If you go to any of the "diet" centers, many times they will focus on the food you eat and tell you to concentrate on that. You look at the commercials with Kirsty Ally and she talks about the great food and she's not starving or missing out on desserts, because the program has all that 'sinful' food. But the thing is, you aren't going to eat their food all the time or forever, so what's a girl to do? : )

The thing that happens is that you revert to your former eating habits and probably return to your original shape. Many people add to their original weight, at least a couple pounds. This is why there is a series of commercials using the expression stay an 'after' meaning don't return to your before weight.

The only way you can "stay an after" is if you change your lifestyle from your "before" lifestyle. Meaning you need to incorporate the eating habits and some sort of exercise program and MAINTAIN that. The exercise program tends to get overlooked, but that must be a part of your plan. It is a known fact that muscle burns more calories than fat, so if you have more muscle, you are using more calories, even if you are just sitting around watching TV. no extra effort needed, the muscle is helping to keep you in shape at all times.

When you just change your diet you tend to lose muscle. When you lose muscle, your body doesn't work at hard at burning calories. What goes on is you lose muscle and then you start eating like "before" and your body doesn't burn the calories like it used to, so you gain the weight back faster than before, and you don't add muscle, you add more fat; unless you are exercising.

Here's the next thing. The exercise that most people turn to is cardio (running, biking, walking, etc.) to burn the fat. But that doesn't add much muscle to your frame. The better option is to lift weights. This will burn calories and 'replace' fat with muscle, which will in turn burn more calories and get you started in the opposite direction of the fat burning operation. You will gain muscle and it will help burn calories and keep you in shape.

Lifting weights will not necessary make you lose weight, but you will look and feel better. Muscle is heavier than fat, but it is also more dense. You can keep the same weight and drop a few inches off your waist. Women don't worry, you don't have the testosterone to gain huge bulky muscles. You will keep a trim fit appearance and not turn into a 'muscle-y mannish' woman. That can't happen without some serious supplement help and probably steroids as well.

Before anyone writes me to defend the Jenny Craigs of the world, I am not putting down any healthy method of weight loss. If a center, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, whatever, can help you on the track to health and fitness that is terrific. They can provide excellent support groups and calorie counting methods and all that stuff. I am just saying that unless you incorporate a change in your lifestyle, you are likely to gain weight back. I know the "weight loss centers" all agree with that.

Contact me with questions or comments

Robert Britt is married and a father of four. He is a published author and has a degree in Psychology from Albright College. Robert is a recognized expert in the field of personal finance, self-esteem and confidence building. He is a full time professional writer and speaker. Robert spent 13 years in the military and 14 years in manufacturing prior to self-employment. Please contact Rob at rob@wealthtrainingsource.com or visit http://www.robertbritt.com

Cl Hatha Yoga

Weight Loss Program Versus Developing Your Own

Are you interested in losing weight? Whether you would like to improve your health, improve you appearance, or do both, you may be interested in finding a weight loss plan to use. When it comes to weight loss plans, you will find that you have a number of different options. Two of your most common options include paying for a weight loss plan or developing your own.

If this is your first time attempting to perilously, lose weight, you may be wondering whether you should develop your own weight loss plan, also commonly referred to as a weight loss program, or pay for one. One of the best ways to determine which weight loss plan you should use is to examine the pros and cons of each. A few of the most influential advantages and disadvantages to developing your own weight loss plan, as well as paying for one are outlined below.

When it comes to paying for a weight loss plan or a weight loss program, you will find that you can do so locally or online. If you choose to participate in a local weight loss program or plan, you will likely meet in a centralized location. Many times, you just get together every week or two. There are some weight loss programs where you can exercise onsite though. Should you choose to join an online weight loss program, you will likely have online meetings or discussions with trainers or other weight loss program members, either on a message board or through emails. You should also have access to healthy recipes and easy to do exercises.

One of the many advantages to paying for a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you are often given a professional plan. Many times, the individuals or trainers in charge of running these programs have training or firsthand experience with losing weight. This often eliminates trial and error, as many have already learned what works and what does not work with weight loss.

In all honestly, the only downside to paying to join a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you have to pay to do so. With that in mind, however, you should be able to find affordable weight loss programs and plans, both locally and online. Although it is not guaranteed, many people find the most affordable help in the form of online weight loss programs or online weight loss plans.

As for developing your own weight loss plan, there are a number of advantages to doing so. One of those advantages is that you can customize your weight loss plan and program to you. For example, if you were allergic to milk, you could work your allergy into your weight loss program, where as a paid weight loss plan or program may not do so. You can also customize your workouts to yourself. This is great if you are obese and unable to follow many workout videos, which seem like they are designed for those who already in perfect shape.

Another one of the many advantages to developing your own weight loss plan to follow is that it is fun to do. You also have a number of tools at your fingertips. There are a number of websites and magazines that you can get weight loss information from; information that you can use to create your own weight loss plan to follow. Some individuals have said that creating their own weight loss plan to follow makes them more excited about the process and more likely to see the plan all the way through.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you may want to take into consideration, when trying to determine whether you should develop your own weight loss program or join a paid weight loss program. Many individuals have reported starting their own weight loss program and then later joining a paid one if they didn't get the results that they were hoping for.

For more information on lost weight, do visit Lost weight a website that specializes in providing lose weight and other related Information, Advice and Resources.

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