AB exercises like sit-ups, crunches and AB machines are an ineffective way to lose weight. Cardio exercises become boring and repetitive over time and do not do much to assist in losing body fat. Extreme fat burners like lotions and oils bought to be rubbed over the body in order to lose weight can also not be relied on to deliver the desired results. They rarely work and if they do it is so slowly that the user will have run out of patience. To lose a single pound requires burning approximately 3500 calories a week, and this is over and above the calories one burns doing daily activities. Needless to say one needs determination in order to lose weight.
Getting started
To start on a serious weight loss program trainees need to calculate their BMR, which refers to basal metabolic rate. The BMR is the energy level the body requires to maintain the normal functions like digestion and breathing. The activity level is also necessary to calculate. A calorie calculator is used for this process that involves finding out the calories the person burns when standing, sitting, exercising, lifting weights and the like. The number of calories
consumed should also be tracked. When people burn more calories than they eat then it is obvious that they will lose weight. Losing weight too quickly is not good though and should be avoided since like all other sudden changes to the body, this is dangerous. Fad pills, fasting and diet pills can help one lose weight rapidly but in the process cause the user to lose not only fat but muscle as well, which may injure body organs like the heart.
Lose weight the healthy way
A healthy way to lose weight is by taking all the foods someone normally consumes and picking out the unhealthy foods one needs to cut or reduce from the diet. Alternatives to the foods are sought, making sure that the alternative foods are of lower calories than the eliminated unhealthy foods. Easy cut foods include salad dressing, soda pop, candy or butter. Water can be taken instead of soda and mustard instead of mayo. Low fat and low calorie natural foods should be the alternatives to the unhealthy foods. Lean meats like chicken and fish are low in fat and some fish like tuna and salmon have antioxidants useful for the body. Fresh vegetables and salads are the best alternative for high calorie foods like cheese, macaroni, French fries and potato salad. Pre-made salads are weight loss gold. People out to lose weight must watch the portions they eat. Reducing portion sizes consequently reduces calorie intake. Of course, adding exercise to a healthy diet will accelerate the process of weight loss and ensure that one retains muscle after all is said and done.