Eat less. Move more. Usually that works, but not always. If you can't seem to shake a few pounds, but you're working out regularly and eating healthy, here are a few tips, along with why they work.
1. Do Interval Training
Interval training at a high intensity has far greater benefits in terms of fat loss over slow, steady endurance training. That's not to say that endurance training isn't a good thing - it is. But if your goal is to lose fat, train on intervals at least three times a week. Interval training can be done doing any form of cardio or strength training. In fact, a strength circuit, done without rest, is technically an interval. Check out a couple of my No Excuses Workouts. Almost all are interval-based.
2. Avoid HFCS
No matter how much big industries try to sell us on the notion that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is just like regular sugar, it's not. And our body converts it to fat a lot faster than table sugar. In fact, the body's preferential storage of fructose is as a triglyceride. I don't want to give you the wrong idea...too much sugar (period) is no good - no matter who you are or what you're doing. Just be wary of artificially concocted sugar. Did I mention that most corn is genetically modified? While avoiding HFCS won't inherently make your body burn fat, committed to eating cleaner foods in place of those made with HFCS will!
3. Do Drink Water
Dehydration saps metabolism and overall energy in the body. Water is needed by each and every one of our cells, but it also helps to rid the body of toxins and facilitate the metabolism of fat. You don't need to drink gallons of water every day, but it's a good idea to always have water handy. I recommend drinking a glass of water upon waking, and 15 minutes before every meal or snack thereafter. That oughta do it! If you're working out a lot, or have a job that tests your exertion, you should drink a little more.
4. Avoid the "Low Fat/No Fat" Game
Dietary fat is needed. Without it, your body will go ahead and store fat on its own. The problem is that when people try to eat extremely low fat, they justify this form of eating because they got "a little bit of fat" in this or that. Residual fat, particularly in packaged foods, is likely junk and harmful to our bodies. ADD some healthy fat in the form of almonds, walnuts, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil and dairy (for some).
5. Do Sleep 7 to 8 Hours a Day
While we sleep, our bodies repair on every level. Sleep resets our bodies via the release of human growth hormone (translation = leaner body). Cortisol is also kept in check when we sleep regularly, but can easily be elevated if we don't get enough shut eye. When cortisol levels spike (and sometimes we don't even know that they do), our body stores belly fat. The takeaway: sleep for a leaner body with less belly fat.
Want more tips like this? Hanging out with me on Facebook. I’ll be posting some really great health and fitness tips over the next few weeks, and I don’t want you to miss out. See you there. Traci
