I see you. You seem to be having trouble tying your shoes. And I see that you still have your shirt on – in the pool. Wait, you’re trying to avoid the pool altogether, aren’t you?
I recognize you because I was that guy, and I know that I’m not the only one. I got so sick of walking around with this big, fat gut hanging over my belt that I finally decided to do something about it. If I’ve ever had an epiphany, this was it.
I’m calling you out. I’m challenging you to take charge of your weight. I’m telling you that you’re overweight and you need to take responsibility.
Target your calories. Your total amount of calories eaten for that day depends on your target weight. Take your ideal weight and multiply that by ten – this will give you the amount of calories to consume each day. Don’t eat less than 1,600 calories on any given day though (you need your nutrients).
It’s important to remember to eat five or six times a day (every two to three hours). Your meals will be smaller than you’re used to. That’s good because large meals det turned into fat very easily, while smaller ones are readily converted to energy.
Eating a lot of protein can help with eating smaller meals, as the protein makes you feel fuller than other foods. Eat about 1 gram of protein for every pound of your target weight. Make sure you increase your water intake to combat the extra work this puts on your kidneys.
There are some great alternatives out there to help you get your proper protein intake. Meal replacement shakes and bars are my favorites, as well as cheese sticks. On a side note, eat as many vegetables as you like, just make sure not to smother them with butter or cheese.
Remember that fat loss is mostly about a reduced calorie (healthy) diet. Performing exercise, regardless of the type, ensures that you’re losing fat; not both fat and muscle. And really, isn’t that the goal?
David Stevens writes advice on how to lose weight and burn fat.