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As you may have heard by now, the foundation of weight loss is to simply burn more calories than you consume.  In other words, you must create a calorie deficit.  There are three ways to do this.
• Dietary restriction, or reducing the number of calories consumed on a daily basis.
• Increased caloric burn.  This can be done by becoming more physically active.

• Increase basal metabolic rate which can be done by increasing lean mass, also known as muscle.
As simple as this may sound, many variables contribute to the body’s ability to metabolize fat stores.  No doubt about it, the best way to lose body fat is through both nutritional and behavioral modifications and regular exercise.  Notice I didn’t say weight because all body weight is not the same.

Sound Nutrition

Studies have shown that when insulin levels are lower, fat loss increases and when insulin is secreted, body fat is more readily stored.  Insulin increases in response-increased blood sugar which primarily happens when simple sugars or carbohydrates are ingested.  Maintaining steady blood sugar levels helps prevent insulin surges in the body, and therefore, eating several small meals each day every three to four hours will help decrease the likelihood of storing excess body fat.  Likewise, skipping meals, especially breakfast, causes blood sugar levels to drop which then leads to cravings and overeating. Keeping insulin levels stable supports a healthy metabolism and is one of the secrets to fat loss.

Increase Lean Muscle

To promote weight loss, exercise must be part of the fat-loss program.  Regular exercise is the top predictor of long-term success.  People who diet only to lose weight typically enter a state of catabolism or muscle wasting, whereby the body breaks down muscle for energy.  This, in turn, lowers metabolism; dramatically reducing the number of calories you can eat before your body starts storing them as fat.  Weight training is most effective at boosting your metabolism.  Another benefit of exercise is that it increases a muscle cell’s glucose-storing capacity which ensures that more of the carbs you consume don’t wind up as fat around your waist, hips and thighs.

Winning The Battle

To lose body fat and keep it off, lifestyle modification, such as improved nutritional habits and regular exercise, has proven to be the biggest predictor of success.  Starting one step at a time will help get you on the road to success.  Mapping out both short and long-term goals and adhering to a program based on those goals is a step in the right direction.  Toward a leaner, stronger, healthier and more energetic you.

Call Results Fitness for your own Fat Loss Plan at 661-799-7900.  Located at 24420 Walnut Street, off Lyons Avenue. Check out the website for more great fitness tips on fat loss at www.results-fitness.com .

Santa Clarita Magazine

Santa Clarita Magazine