Healthy Weight Loss

Obesity is a growing concern in modern society. Being overweight is uncomfortable and puts a strain on your joints. It can also lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

A poor self-image often results when you are overweight. You may become depressed or withdrawn from society. It doesn't have to be that way.

Obesity can be overcome

Obesity can be overcome. The secret is to achieve healthy weight loss. Be realistic in your goals and consistent in your actions.

There are three main steps to healthy weight loss ?increase your metabolic rate, exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet.

Increase your metabolic rate

Muscle uses more energy than fat. By increasing your muscle mass you will increase your entire body's metabolic rate. A faster metabolism uses more energy and draws its energy from fat stores. The more muscle you develop the more fat you will be able to lose.

Exercise regularly

Improving blood flow to the tissues will also enhance weight loss and improve general health. This is because the increased supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscle encourages healthy metabolism.

Thirty minutes of continuous aerobic exercise each day is all that is needed. The exercise does not need to be overstrenuous. A brisk walk or a swim will be sufficient to increase muscle mass and improve metabolism, resulting in an increase in strength and energy levels.

Maintain a healthy diet

There is no need to 'diet'. Eating a healthy well balance diet will ensure you supply your muscles with the correct nutrients to encourage them to burn fat.

Calorie restriction diets often have the reverse effect as they give the body the famine message. The body then tries to save fat reserves by decreasing the metabolic rate. This often results in weight gain rather than healthy weight loss.

Choosing food types and quantities from the food pyramid and ensuring a good variety from each group will help you maintain a healthy diet. But it is also important to listen to your body. Don't eat because food looks good or because it is mealtime. Eat because your body is hungry and needs refueling.

Healthy weight loss is achievable

Healthy weight loss is achievable if you maintain a well balanced, varied diet, exercise regularly and increase you metabolic rate. You will feel better within yourself and have more energy ?and you'll look good too.