By Does slow or fast win the race against weight loss?
Have you ever thought to yourself that losing a certain amount of weight as fast as possible would be beneficial right now?
You aren’t the only one! Instead, many of us would take on drastic measures to “get it over and done with” rather than extend the weight loss process for months and years.
More extended weight loss effort for extensive periods create some of the following problems:
• Demotivation
• Diminished efforts over time
• Boredom
• Low return for the increased effort
• Giving up from experiencing minuscule results
• Putting on weight as you progress
Have you ever experienced any of the above situations during your journey? I know I have, and possibly several more.
I have been on both sides of the spectrum – the fast and slow weight loss journey, and throughout the years, I’ve discovered one thing they both have in common:-
Either path you take still requires extreme amounts of work and iron discipline.
When you finally do start to see progress – it suddenly becomes worth your time.
But the downfall that a lot of us experience is the inevitable bounceback of weight gain after the weight-loss honeymoon is over.
It doesn’t matter how disciplined you are – the chances of weight gain rebound are inevitable.
What’s the best way to tackle fat loss – fast or slow?
More rapid weight loss takes massive effort than your slow range progression.
Most of these efforts are likely to be unhealthy and do not provide sustainable lifestyle strategies. Therefore, faster weight loss can lead to a more rapid bounceback of rebound weight gain. Unfortunately, the quicker your weight loss, the harder it will be to maintain it.
The other downfall is that most weight loss initially comes from water weight, and more than likely, muscle tissue. So when we lose weight rapidly, it’s harder to tap into our initial fat reserves for calories – and it’s muscle tissue that becomes on the attacking front line.
As you know, losing muscle means a lower metabolic rate. That’s why bounceback happens quite fast.
Don’t be too quick to take on any fat burning tablets, shakes or body lotions. All of these work for the duration you take them.
Anything in pill format may cause health problems over the long term.
Shakes may help eliminate a meal, therefore, effectively lowering your caloric range over a long time. But you must ask yourself – are you willing to drink one or two liquid meals per day to maintain your weight for a lifetime? Only you can answer this question.
What’s the best way to lose weight?
Slow, carefully created food and exercise plans are your most beneficial and safe way to lose weight over the long term.
Most of our weight loss woes begin in the kitchen, making poor choices with our nutrition – hoping that exercise can out-train a bad diet.
But we all know that won’t happen, and unless you train 6-8 hours a day, you won’t be able to get away with eating more food (and athletes never eat poorly when they are training).
The best weight loss solution is by changing your habits and adopting those that serve and help you maintain your weight loss along the way.
Here are a few things that can fast track your weight loss – but keep you safe from the dreaded rebound weight gain:
One: Did someone say coffee?
Start your day with some black coffee.
Coffee is the fat loss elixir, plus it’s one of the best pick me up alternatives when you need a bit of an energy boost.
If you don’t like coffee, try green or black tea. You still get a caffeine hit, as well as a plethora of antioxidants.
Green tea helps you burn an additional 70 calories over 24 hours. So do have a couple of cups per day if you can.
Two: Sprinkle some spice love on your foods
Spicy, hot food can naturally stop you from eating as much!
Capsaicin, found in cayenne peppers, may increase adrenaline, which causes a speed increase in your metabolism.
You may have found that spicy food naturally fills you up faster.
Try adding ginger and turmeric, as they provide similar benefits.
Three: Take a power walk before dinner
Exercise is incredible, morning, noon or night.
But what about doing something in the evening?
Our metabolisms start to slow down a lot during the afternoon – which makes a lot of sense. That’s usually everyone’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
Try some cardio type workout for about 30-40 minutes before you eat dinner, which will help you wind down a lot more and ease the temptation of eating an after-dinner snack. In addition, it’s a great way to help you further reduce your caloric intake for the day.
Four: Go for the greens as much as possible.
Veggies are the ultimate fat loss meal.
I know I do talk about protein a lot, but veggies are just something else.
They also provide protein but also vast amounts of fibre.
Fibre helps us eliminate waste and keep us feeling full for more extended periods.
I promise, if you make veggies the central part of your meal, you will not only lose weight and feel great your health will take an instant upturn. So make it a habit to fill your plate up with an abundance of veggies. See for yourself how much of an improvement your health will take.
There is no easy way towards achieving weight loss goals.
Over the years, I’ve spun many endless diets with no results – and most of them were never easy to sustain long term.
Your best way moving forward is to eat and live well for life – that includes those delicious indulgences once in a while.
Constructing habits that serve your weight loss goals from the bottom up will help you maintain optimal health for the rest of your life.