How To Lose Weight - 9 Time-Tested Principles To Follow In Order To Maximize Weight Loss


Choosing to lose weight and take control of your life is a lifestyle choice. It is not something to be taken lightly, but can be made a lot easier if you know the right things to do. So if you are serious about learning how to lose weight and really want to make the change, follow these 9 steps and you will always be moving in the right direction.
1. Drink Enough Water - 
Water is the most important nutrient that you can take into account when trying to lose weight. Our bodies are essentially made from water. Therefore, we need to be drinking enough of the stuff to remain hydrated throughout the day. Unfortunately a lot of people overlook this simple truth and are cutting themselves short. Drink at least 2 litres per day to remain hydrated and at least 3 litres per day on training days.
2. High Fibre Diet 
- Not only does fibre keep you regular by purging your body of unnecessary food, it also helps your body to digest foods. This means that the more fibre we eat, the more benefit we will receive from the foods that we are eating. I would recommend aiming for a bare minimum of 40 grams per day. If you are one of those people who are constantly looking for the easiest tip on how to lose weight: You now have it.
3. Fruits / Vegetables 
- Not only are fresh fruits and vegetables packed with essential nutrients, they are also often packed with valuable fibre. Add to this, the fact that most fruits and vegetables have an alkalizing effect on the blood (cleansing) and you will see why you need to be eating you minimum of 5 servings per day.
4. Pre / Post Workout
 - Pre and post workout nutrition are very important aspects to consider. If your goal is weight loss, you should limit the amount of calories that you consume before performing cardio exercise, as you want to be burning body fat and not what you just ate. On your weight training days, be sure to consume a shake, such as a whey protein shake immediately after workout to kick-start the recovery process.
5. Multivitamin 
- If you are in a position right now where you need to lose weight, chances are that you are not in peak health: No offence intended. However, because of this, your body may be lacking essential nutrients and minerals that are essential to getting in shape. Taking a multivitamin helps to ensure that you are covering all of your nutritional bases and are not lacking in anything essential.
6. Cardiovascular Exercise 
- When it comes to burning fat, cardio is a must. Cardio is great because you know what you are getting. When you jump on the treadmill or bike, you can set yourself a goal and then go and achieve it. The entire point of cardiovascular exercise is to make your body use its fat for energy and therefore burn your own body fat. At the very minimum, you should be walking every morning in order to remain active.
7. Rest Days 
- Unless you are some form of cyborg, you will need to take days off from training every now and again. Notice that I didn't mention diet: Never take a day off from a healthy diet, but training is different. When we exercise we place our bodies under a lot of stress and this can build up over time. Therefore, taking a day off every couple of weeks will actually get you where you want to be even faster.
8. Doctor's Checkups
 - Have yourself checked up at least once every 6 months when you are exercising and dieting heavily, in order to be sure that your body is in peak state.
9. Get a Physica
l - A physical is sort of a comprehensive version of a checkup. Get as much blood testing done as you can afford and you will have a complete understanding of your current health levels and what you need to do in order to improve. Aim to have a physical examination once per year.
If you want to know the secret on how to lose weight, it is simple: Aim to be as healthy as you possibly can be all year round. The 9 principles described above will definitely help you to remain in good health. So start today and make these principles the cornerstone of your healthy lifestyle.
John Stamford is a personal trainer, nutritionist and an expert in everything relating to fat loss. Visit his website in order to discover "One Tip That May Be Preventing You From Losing Fat", plus receive Free Updates for life at:
http://www.FatLossEnigma.com
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