Biggest Challenge to Effective Weight Loss

One of the biggest challenges to most of us seeking to lose (and keep off) those last 5-10 pounds is feeding the muscle we built as we try to burn the fat laying on top of it.

Yes, diet and nutrition are essential and key variables to the process.  They cannot be ignored.  There is no way around establishing good dietary habits.  You can read all the diet plan books.  Try all the diet programs – online or in-store.  Sign up for every meal plan, diet-plan, weight loss program and you will still come back to these simple basic facts as the essential elements and requirements to building muscle and burning fat  and calories.

• Fuel your workouts and fill your stomach with a healthy protein (fish, chicken, beef, or vegetarian beans) and brightly colored fruits and vegetables (complex carbohydrates).

• Minimize or eliminate the sugars, salt and starch foods and additives (simplex carbohydrates).

• Get plenty of fiber in your diet (grain bread and cereal, fruits and vegetables)

• Drink 48-64 ounces of water daily.

A few additional thoughts you may want to consider:

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day – at regular 3-4 hour intervals.
• Eat a protein, fat and complex carb with every meal.
• Find snacks that combine the above equation.  An apple or celery stalks and a couple of spoons of peanut butter is an example.
• Avoid or eliminate alcohol and soda.
• Snack on apples, pears, celery, olives and nuts rather than  “only two” cookies or “handful” of chips.
• Support your regimine with the vitamins, minerals and/or amino acids your body needs to sustain the transformational work you want.
• Consider juicing your fruits and vegetables.
• Give yourself permission to enjoy the process.

Gina Jackson, MBA, CPT, holds Advanced PFT recognition as a member of the International Association of Fitness Professionals (IDEA); is certified as a NY Power Pilates Teacher and a proud Business Member of the Pilates Method Alliance.

Gina made a conscious career and lifestyle change to fitness in 2000 and assists clients in lifestyle fitness training programs; she is the Fitness Consultant, creator and energy behind the successful stories of a myriad of clients featured at www.FitnessByGina.Com, www.Pilates4Fitness.com and www.Prescription4Fitness.com. all of which provide fitness resources, tips, articles and MP3 downloads designed to assist all realizing their fitness goals.

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