In general, it’s easy to watch television programs and fitness magazines and believe what we hear or read because it’s from the media or in printed form. “It must be true” is often the consensus.
Myth: You can achieve more significant weight loss with fat burning supplements. On fat burning products/accessories: Many magazines spend tens of thousands on displaying an ad, often using editorials as the source for publishing information. Of course, with their money on advertising, they will not write anything to upset their readers. So, in reality, the less published newsletters often tend to be better and more accurate sources for advice on fitness than significant magazines, etc.
Truth: Look up information on fitness achieved without the use of supplements. They do very little for weight loss and are a waste of money. The only accessories that have any value for someone looking to fit are protein powders (not bulking shakes, just protein) and gluten. Both help rebuild muscle after workouts. Protein powders can be used as a meal supplement without worrying that they add bulk. (we will discuss proteins later in this article)
Unfortunately, there is no one “cure-all” for everyone. Nor is there any “one workout/diet” that fits all. Everyone’s body and chemistry are different. Yet, there is one factor that will contribute to the weight loss and overall fitness of anyone. Some may have bodies that take longer than others, but even people who can quickly get into shape have to maintain it. Any change in lifestyle for the better will help. Most important is the addition of exercise/activity to your daily routine. If you don’t have time to hit the gym or take a walk for 45 minutes 3-4 times a week, then make sure to get in at least 20 minutes daily of cardiovascular activity. Also important is having some form of weight training. Muscle helps get rid of fat. The more power you have, the easier it will be for your body to improve its metabolism and rid itself of those layers you are trying to lose. If you don’t go to a gym, free weights at home are just fine. There are plenty of exercise programs to look at. Books, online articles, or ask a friend who is a trainer or consultant.
You can also make mild changes to your diet/lifestyle that will make a dramatic difference. You will be surprised! Some examples: Eliminate soda or alcohol from your diet (or both), drink more water each day (half your body weight in oz. – example: you weigh 160, drink 80 oz.), drinking a glass of cold water first thing in the morning can give your metabolism a jump-start. (burns more calories when your body has to heat the water)
There are so many diets/weight loss plans and so much advice, and many times they contradict each other. However, one rule that never changes is you need to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. It can be done by increasing exercise or changing your diet if you have less time for exercise. Proteins are one of the best fat-burning foods: it takes your body a lot more energy to burn proteins than it does carbs. That’s why Atkins diets work so well at first. Unfortunately, it’s not healthy to stay on all-protein diets because your body needs energy for daily tasks, which is provided by eating carbs. Many who follow this diet long term are dragged out feeling and start to look pale and malnourished.
The best diet to have is protein but includes complex carbs such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. It, along with some exercise programs with getting you the results you want. It may take longer than you want, but keep yourself motivated (hang a picture of yourself where you will see it every day, have a workout partner, etc.). You will achieve the results you desire.