It is great to be excited about your new weight loss program. But, you should train smart and hard to reach your goals. There has been more than one exerciser who has over-trained and did more damage than good. The first thing you don't want to do is radically reduce your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates (stored as glycogen) are your body's preferred source of fuel during exercise. The key is to eat the right kind of carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables. Your body also needs adequate proteins and fats to function properly.
Another key to burning fat and gaining muscle is to do strength training. As your muscle mass increases, your body will burn fat. Also, your metabolism will permanently speed up because your body has to work harder to maintain muscle mass. You should strength train 2-3 days per week. Circuit strength training has been proven to help exercisers burn fat and gain lean muscle mass. If you combine strength training with cardio exercise (5-6 days per week), you will help your heart health and fat-burning.
Timing your exercise is very important. You should try to exercise about 2 hours after eating a meal (and never skip meals). Steady blood sugar levels are best for your health and exercise. After you exercise, you should eat within 60-90 minutes to get full benefits from your workout. Your body needs refueling and rebuilding, especially after weight lifting workouts. If you don't want to eat that soon, a meal replacement shake or drink will work.
Finally, make the commitment to lifetime health, weight loss and fat loss. This commitment will keep you from going to extremes or seeking quickie solutions to lose weight.
It is great to be excited about your new weight loss program. But, you should train smart and hard to reach your goals. There has been more than one exerciser who has over-trained and did more damage than good. The first thing you don't want to do is radically reduce your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates (stored as glycogen) are your body's preferred source of fuel during exercise. The key is to eat the right kind of carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables. Your body also needs adequate proteins and fats to function properly.
Another key to burning fat and gaining muscle is to do strength training. As your muscle mass increases, your body will burn fat. Also, your metabolism will permanently speed up because your body has to work harder to maintain muscle mass. You should strength train 2-3 days per week. Circuit strength training has been proven to help exercisers burn fat and gain lean muscle mass. If you combine strength training with cardio exercise (5-6 days per week), you will help your heart health and fat-burning.
Timing your exercise is very important. You should try to exercise about 2 hours after eating a meal (and never skip meals). Steady blood sugar levels are best for your health and exercise. After you exercise, you should eat within 60-90 minutes to get full benefits from your workout. Your body needs refueling and rebuilding, especially after weight lifting workouts. If you don't want to eat that soon, a meal replacement shake or drink will work.
Finally, make the commitment to lifetime health, weight loss and fat loss. This commitment will keep you from going to extremes or seeking quickie solutions to lose weight.