The Mayo Clinic asserts that dieting alone is not sufficient to lose weight. Even if you cut down on calories you still need to burn off the calories you consume. Physical activity is the means of burning off those calories.
Consult a Nutritionist
Breaking unhealthy habits occurs in four stages. This is according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A nutritionist can help you with each of the stages.
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
To help you prepare to get healthy a nutritionist can explain how to control your particular health issues through diet. In preparing you to eat healthier a nutritionist can help you plan meals. For action and maintenance regular visits to a nutritionist provide expert insights on your progress and encourage you to continue your healthier behavior.
Eat Breakfast
An article on HealthLine. points out how important breakfast is. Breaking the fast reduces the likelihood of being overweight, developing diabetes, and heart disease. Eating breakfast also restores blood sugar levels.
Exercising without eating breakfast is like trying to race a car with only fumes in the tank. You will not get very far. To get the most out of your workout your morning repast should be filled with fiber and protein. You will have more energy and will be less likely to feel hungry while exercising.
Green Drinks
Juices made from green vegetables are gaining popularity. There are a variety of websites like https://sculptnation.com/product/greens/, just to provide an example, offering these green juices. ABC News reports that there is nutritional value to green drinks. Still, they should be used to supplement the eating of solid green vegetables not replace it. Juices cannot satisfy hunger the way solid foods can.
Understand Carbohydrates
Lately, carbs have become the hobgoblins of dieting. If you are going to be physically fit you need carbohydrates for energy. The Mayo Clinic states that 45%-65% of your daily caloric intake should come from carbs. The issue with weight loss is not carbohydrates but where those carbohydrates come from. Instead of simple carbs from sources like white bread you want to take in complex carbs from beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Remember the Protein
What do exercise and protein have in common? They are both essential to building muscle. Protein also helps replenish red blood cells. As a general rule people need 0.36 grams of protein per 1 pound of body weight. Beans, dairy, eggs, fish, poultry, and red meat are all sources of protein.
Unsaturated Fats and Produce
Unsaturated fats are derived from avocados, nuts, olives, and seeds. The unsaturated fat in these foods reduces inflammation. Unsaturated fat also provides energy from calories. Besides being nutritious fruits and veggies are low calorie/low fat. The Department of Agriculture asserts that half the food on your plate should be fruit and or vegetables.