If you’re trying to lose weight and get fitter, there are some key things you need to be aware of. You can’t just exercise more without also changing what you eat. Eating healthy isn’t about cutting out certain foods; instead, it’s about eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods like vegetables while limiting those that provide little to no nutritional value, like refined grains. But is it possible for you to get fitter and still eat your favorite foods?
If you want to lose weight or get fitter, pay attention to how much you eat
Calories are the most important factor in weight loss, and you can’t outrun a bad diet. Eating less and exercising more is the most effective way to lose weight. The amount of calories your body needs depends on sex, age, height, build, and BMI. However, it really comes down to how much you are putting into your body and if that’s less than how active you are.
You can’t lose weight without looking at what you eat and creating a calorie deficit. But you still need to consume all the nutrients your body needs, even while losing weight – which is something to factor into your diet. That’s why you can’t just reduce what you eat; you also need to change it up and incorporate nutritious foods into your daily meal plans.
If your favorite foods happen to be nutritious, that’s great; you can continue to enjoy them if you’re working out regularly. If your favorite foods are essentially junk food or high-calorie items, again, you can still enjoy them, but you’ll need to practice moderation.
Exercise more
In order to get fit and stay that way, you must commit yourself to regular exercise, especially if you want to continue eating your favorite foods (perhaps foods that are high in calories). You can still enjoy high-calorie foods in moderation while getting fit, but you’ll need to burn them off with more exercise – that’s the trade-off.
The exact amount of activity required varies depending on your age, gender, weight, and other factors, such as whether or not you have any health issues that affect how much activity is appropriate for you. It also depends on the number of calories you consume.
Also, the type of exercise recommended by experts depends on several factors – for example, how much time you can dedicate to going to the gym for a regular workout, which isn’t a lot for many people. Fortunately, they can get around this by setting up a home gym. You can exercise more with your own dumbbells and other equipment and keep fit in the comfort of your home. Luckily, there are various stores (see mirafit.co.uk, for instance) that offer equipment like dumbbells and weights that will fit your needs and keep you on the road to fitness.
Eat little and often
Eating more often is another way to get fitter and still eat your favorite foods. Eating smaller meals more often helps boost your metabolism, which in turn burns fat more efficiently. Plus, you’re less likely to feel hungry between meals if you’re eating regular snacks throughout the day.
Cut out sugar and processed foods
Sugar and processed foods are a big part of the problem – yes, even if they’re your favorite! Sugar is empty calories, meaning it has little to no nutritional value. It can also cause cravings that lead to weight gain, so it’s important to limit your intake of sugary foods like soda, candy bars, and desserts. In addition, processed foods are high in salt and fat, too much of which can harm your quest to get fitter. Again, you can still consume these foods, but moderation is key – and you may need to exercise to offset the calories from these.
Don’t restrict yourself from enjoying your favorite foods
Finally, when it comes to losing weight or getting fitter, one of the most common mistakes people make is trying too hard and restricting too much. This can lead to frustration, failure, and a negative attitude toward exercise and healthy eating.
Instead of restricting yourself from enjoying your favorite foods, focus on making healthier choices in general. If you’re craving pizza or French fries, opt for a smaller slice or order half fries or half salad with no dressing on top or ask for extra ketchup. You’ll still get what you want without overindulging. It’s simply about eating your favorite foods in moderation and not overdoing it on the regular.