Weight Loss

There are hundreds of weight loss programs and diets that may sound like the answer to your weight loss prayers. I have to sympathise. There is a minefield of information out there, and no foolproof way of knowing what works and what doesn’t. More importantly there is no way of knowing if the diet is one that enables you to lose weight and then keep it off. It is always a good idea to find out if the diet has a scientific basis for its claims and whether there have been any significant trials done to ascertain if people have been able to maintain the weight loss efffectively.

Here’s a good question for you. Did you know that you can achieve weight loss by eating a diet high in a particular type of fat? This fat is called a MUFA – monounsaturated fatty acid. MUFA’s are the good fats you find in food like peanuts, olive oil and avocados. Research has demonstrated that MUFA’s help to seek out and erase your belly fat. They all also have an additional health benefit in that they help to lower your cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and strokes. Other studies have shown that MUFA’s can also help fight diabetes. Keep your artery walls smooth and untarnished and control your blood sugar levels. Not only do MUFA’s target your belly fat, but experts believe they prevent and even eliminate central fat distribution in your body which will ultimately help you to lose weight.

One of the most difficult realities of trying to lose some weight is that most diets used in a weight loss program may leave you feeling unsatisfied and hungry. The higher fat content provided by the MUFA’s will have the effect of satisfying your appetite for longer. As a result you will be less likely to want to snack and also be less likely to have sugar cravings.

To encourage your body to lose weight more effectively, it is a good idea to have some sort of exercise program in addition to your diet high in MUFA’s. With as little as 10 minutes of exercise the brain begins to produce beta endorphins, chemicals that calm you down, regulate your stress hormones and make you feel good. A recent study at the Ivy League university demonstrated that the secretion of beta-endorphins can actually offset the belly bloating effects of cortisol and insulin. An exercise plan that will help you achieve weight loss will take no longer than 25 minutes a day. The plan consists of three parts:-

1. A cardio component that can be as easy as walking

2. A strength training program to build lean muscle

3. A Pilates -based workout that is excellent for building your core strength

A combination of the above will provide all you need for a successful tried and tested weight loss regime