Fat Loss Tips.

It is true that the faster your metabolism the more calories you burn. However, you cannot blame a slow metabolism as the reason you cannot lose weight. It is how active or inactive you are, that determines how much fat you burn. To lose fat permanently it helps to understand how your metabolism works and how to make sure you’re in the fat burning zone.

Enter the Fat Burning Zone

When it comes to burning fat it is basically simple mathematics. What you ‘put in’ must be ‘used up,’ in order to burn fat. Bottom line is, if you eat more calories than your body burns, then you will gain weight.

To get in your fat burning zone, experts recommend 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity every day and weight resistance training at least twice a week. Fitting in 30 minutes of exercise a day is not as difficult as it sounds. Everyday activities such as walking the dog, climbing stairs, or running around outside with the kids can all count towards your exercise quota. Resistance exercise like sit-ups and push-ups and using hand held free weights are ideal for home workouts; alternatively, you could join a local gym and use the range of machine weights on offer.

Lean muscle is the answer to increasing your metabolism. The more lean muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will burn fat. Even when your body is resting you continue to burn calories. A lot of women avoid lifting weights because they are afraid of looking ‘bulky.’ But the truth is, women cannot ‘bulk up’ naturally, only men can. Anyway, the benefits of increasing lean muscle mass far outweigh a few extra pounds of muscle you may add to your scales.

What Is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the name of the process by which your body converts food into fuel. Up to 75 percent of the calories you consume every day go towards what is called your BMR (basal metabolic rate), the rest of the calories gives you the fuel you need for daily activities. On average, women need approximately 1200 calories per day to support their BMR, but also need an extra 200 to 400 calories to cater for their daily activities. The more you exercise, the more calories you will need to add to this base amount.

Fat Burning Foods

The foods that you choose to eat do affect your metabolism, so remember to choose wisely. Although your body does use more energy to burn protein, it is best not to overeat protein for weight loss. You also need quality carbohydrates and fats to balance your diet and to give you sustainable energy. Wholegrain carbs, such as brown rice and rye bread are great for keeping you satisfied and giving your long term energy.

Health studies have proven that high-protein, high carbohydrate breakfasts are a great weight loss contributor as they rev up your metabolism for the rest of the day. So make sure you include a healthy, substantial breakfast as part of your fat burning diet. Natural or sugar free yogurt with a little fresh fruit, poached eggs with steamed spinach or oatmeal are all great examples of a healthy breakfast.

In summary, the best way to boost your metabolism and to get in to the fat burning zone is to keep your body moving. Start moving today and you will begin to see the results in no time.