Weight loss is a fairly simple formula. Excess weight is the result of the body having spare energy, in the form of calories from food, and storing it in fat for later when food is less plentiful. Therefore, the best and only weight loss program that will ever work, is obvious: the body must receive fewer calories than it spends.
There are two sides of the equation here: the number of calories you consume, and the number of calories you expend. If you expend a lot of calories through exercise, you can eat more and maintain a thin figure. This is why runners can eat a ton and stay wire thin. For an ordinary person looking to lose weight, however, the best weight loss program is to attack the weight equation from both sides.
The first side of the equation is consumption. The fewer calories you eat, the easier it will be to get your calorie balance into the negatives. However, it is important to note that starving yourself won’t do any favors. When the body is starving, it holds on to fat as long as possible, opting to digest muscle first. This means that you may end up weaker and with less muscle definition, but still with a big belly, even if you have lost weight overall.
Instead of starving yourself, it is best to eat moderate portions of healthy foods. Filling foods like beans and rice that have few calories are ideal for making your body feel full and satisfied without loading up on calories. Avoid oily foods and foods that have a lot of bread, since these are big sources of calories without much nutrition.
The other side of the equation is exercise. The harder you make your body work, the more energy it will use, and the more calories it will consume. Pushing your calorie use up means you can eat more and still lose weight. At the very least, walking or riding a bike every day is a great way to use up some energy.
Exercising regularly will not only help you lose weight, but also tone your muscles. Muscles are actually quite heavy, but they look good and are compact. Maintaining an even weight but trading fat for muscle could make you happier with your appearance than just losing weight.
As you can see, there is no magic bullet for weight loss. However, with dedication to a healthier lifestyle, weight loss will come naturally and safely. Losing weight is just one of the many benefits of living a healthier life.
