How important is proper nutrition for weight loss?

The common mistaken belief that many people who go into fitness have is that they can lose all the weight they want through exercise. What they don’t realize is that exercise is only a small part of the equation. In fact, many health experts note that regular exercise comprises only 20 percent of weight loss. That said, what makes up the remaining 80 percent? The right food.

Image source: besthealthmag.ca

A lot of people are frustrated when they’ve been hitting the gym diligently and doing all those cardio routines like there’s no tomorrow only to see the lack of results on the scale. Sure, their muscles are bigger and more cut. But that isn’t their goal. Their goal is to lose weight, which just isn’t happening.

The lack of proper nutrition and the discipline to follow a diet is the culprit. Many of those struggling to get into the regular weight loss stream usually have one cheat day too many in a week. Protein and fiber should be consumed in the proper amount with sugar and fat being reserved for days when intense workouts are scheduled.

While knowing what to eat is good, being aware of how much to consume is better. The rule of thumb when eating protein such as chicken breast or white fish meat is that the portion shouldn’t be bigger than one’s fist. Carbs, though usually frowned upon are okay as a source of energy, but should be prepared carefully. Steaming them is the way to go. Also, stay away from alcohol like the plague.

Image source: muscleandfitness.com

James DeVellis, M.D., owner of a boutique fitness studio, believes healthy living is key to a good life. For more fitness tips and updates, follow this Twitter page.

Comments

Prioritizing Fitness: Keeping Up With An Exercise Routine

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. If people were to be honest, this aspect is usually made last priority. With busy schedules and other matters to take care of, keeping up with a regular fitness routine seems to be impossible. In matters of wellness, cultivating healthy habits and being consistent is critical. Here are some ways to get back on track in exercise: Think of it as a necessity : There are different motivations for exercising. Some people do it because they need to lose weight while some do so because it relieves their stress and makes them feel stronger. Whatever the reason may be, exercise is a necessary part of overall health. Thinking of fitness as an essential part of life can help a person build a habit of regularly working out. Image source : Livestrong.com Find an enjoyable activity first : Exercise can be associated with doing something pleasurable. Whether it’s running on a treadmill, joining a dance aerobics class...

Fighting Your Way Back To Fitness: The Most Fat-Burning Martial Arts

Some people could find it a drag to run the treadmill and lift weights in routine fashion. The gym is not an exciting environment for them, and this loss of interest drags down their fitness goals. But there are activities other than equipment work that can be done in the gym. Dance classes are all the rage, as are spinning, yoga, Pilates, and other challenging and interesting forms of exercise. Another fitness method that is gaining more popularity by the day is the fight or martial arts. Image source : youtube.com Martial arts attract both fitness enthusiasts and those looking to start a decent exercise routine. There are many types to choose from, with some of them requiring little more than a studio where participants can move freely, and they basically involve conditioning exercises such as jumping rope, stretching, and core exercises: Krav Maga: This Israeli art is a combination of techniques from Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, a...

Essential Tips For Healthy Eating

Everyone should develop a healthy, balanced diet, if only to avoid the risk of getting sick and the threat of serious illnesses in the long run. Here are some tips that should lead to a healthy eating habit. Image source: greenlivingideas.com Protein rhymes with lean Protein helps build muscles and gives more energy throughout the day. Ten to 35% of your daily calorie intake should come from lean protein like beans and lentils, skinless chicken, and fish. Carbs should be more complex Whole grains and leafy green vegetables are complex carbohydrates, and you should have more of them. Simple carbs such as raw sugar get absorbed quickly by the digestive system, causing carb overload. Eat these in moderation. State the fats correctly Minimize intake of alcohol, fast food, and saturated fats. Know the difference between good fat and bad fat. Monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids raise good cholesterol. Foods that are high in fatty acids are olive...

James DeVellis MD

Search This Blog