LOSING BODY FAT: PROVEN STRATEGIES FOR A SLIMMER YOU

Excess body fat not only affects our physical appearance but can pose a serious threat to our overall health and well-being. People are constantly trying to find ways to shed unwanted body fat. Here are some tried and tested techniques that are a combination of exercise, diet and lifestyle changes, that have been proven to accelerate fat loss and help achieve a leaner, healthier body.

High-Intensity Interval Training

HIIT is a workout method that alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and a brief rest period. During these bursts of exercise your muscles become deprived of oxygen and will begin to use glucose as fuel. This 'afterburn' can continue to burn calories and fat for up to 48 hours after you've finished working out. It is especially ideal for people with busy schedules as the workouts are shorter in length than traditional cardio exercises.

Strength Training

Strength training involves physical activity with resistance. These could be lifting weights, working with resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, cycling or dancing. The building of muscle raises your metabolic rate to burn more calories and continue burning fat for up to 48 hours after you've finished working out.

A Balanced and Nutritional Diet

Exercise plays a key role in fat loss, but what you eat and how you nourish your body can be even more important. A balanced diet helps boost your metabolism, promote fat loss, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings. Keeping a food diary or using apps that help you monitor your progress can help you stay accountable to your goals. Reduce carbohydrate intake by limiting refined sugars and incorporating healthy fats like avocado, nuts and olive oil in your diet. These fats can help control hunger and promote fat loss. Protein helps preserve muscle mass and boosts your metabolism. Great sources of protein are chicken, fish, tofu and legumes.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you stay hydrated, giving you more energy to make exercising easier. It can suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism to burn off fat. 

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is a cycle between eating and fasting periods during the day. According to research, fasting for between 10 to 16 hours per day helps you turn the fat that is stored in your body into energy.

Eating less Calories

Creating a calorie deficit, which is eating an average of 500-750 fewer calories than what you would normally eat, is a great way to reduce body fat. Controlling portion sizes will help you avoid overeating. Use smaller plates or measure your food to be able to control the amount of calories you consume.

Adequate Sleep 

Getting enough sleep plays a significant role in regulating hormones related to appetite and fat loss. Also, waking up refreshed and energized after a good sleep will give you the strength and motivation to be more physically active throughout the day.

Stress Management

High-stress levels can be the cause of weight gain in many individuals. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing and yoga can help.

Increasing Non-Exercise Physical  Activity 

Incorporating different kinds of activities into your day like walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, parking further away from your destination, doing household chores, gardening, playing with your children, or even fidgeting can help burn more calories and aid in fat loss.

Remember, a healthier body not only looks good but feels good too, enabling you to live your life to its fullest.