Successful Ways to Lose Weight

Weight loss is a concern for many people. Fad diets abound and usually do not work. Or they do work, but people simply gain the weight back as soon as they stop dieting. Losing weight can be tricky; however understanding healthy and proven weight-loss techniques is the key to success.

Cardio Exercise

• Exercising is a very important part of losing weight. People often pair exercise with dieting. The simple idea behind cardio exercise routines is that a person will burn extra calories, more than they eat each day, and therefore lose weight. Cardio exercises are designed to increase the heart rate and boost the metabolism which will increase the calories burned.

Strength Training

• Lifting weights or increasing muscle will increase calories burned while making the body trim and fit. Dieting can cause muscle loss; weight training is an important factor when attempting to lose weight. People can use weights during regular exercise to create resistance and build muscle and they can do weight lifting as well.

Low Carbohydrate

• A diet that is low in carbohydrates, or carbs, is an effective weight-loss strategy. Carbs, found in many starchy foods and sweets, are turned into sugar by the body which raises insulin levels and hinders fat burning. A low-carb diet increases the breakdown of fats and the extra protein that is ingested keeps a person feeling full for longer.

Low Calorie

• Many diets are based on burning more calories than taken in each day. These diets can be easier for some to follow since they do not restrict all types of foods, only calories. A low-calorie diet is 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day, though this varies depending on the individual. Dark green, leafy vegetables are part of low-calorie diets because they have very few calories and are filling.