How lovely would it be if we could eat whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted without having to ultimately gain weight. Unfortunately, the world does not work like that and for a fit body, one needs to be mindful of what is on the plate. However, there are clever tips and tricks that you will be able to find out about in this article which will open your eyes and help you see dieting in a whole new light. As a matter of fact, it is a complete misconception that for a fit body one needs to restrict certain types of foods. Without further delays, here are the best ways to be fit and still eat everything you want.
1. Start counting calories
Whatever your fitness goal might be, whether it is weight loss or muscle gain, the concept is simple; you will have to eat according to your goals. If you want to lose weight then just consume fewer calories than you burn on a daily level. If muscle gain is the goal then bump up the calorie intake. Yes, it sounds straight forward and easy, but it isn't. Start by determining your maintenance calories. On average, adult males need about 2000 calories, whilst females require about 1500 to function normally. However, consult with a professional or try out a reliable calorie calculator online. Next, slowly decrease the calories and track your progress. Remember to not do anything too drastic, because this may interfere with energy levels and it may also wreak chaos on hormones! The biggest benefit of calorie counting is that the individual can fit in a piece of cake or a bag of chips without going overboard on the calorie intake.
2. Become more active
Just get your body going and make sure to keep active throughout the whole day. Whether it is lifting weights at the gym, taking the stairs or walking around in the neighborhood, it is important for human beings to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. On the downside, not many people have the opportunity to be out all day due to busy work schedules. Most people nowadays have to sit all day in front of a computer screen, or they are stuck in an office all day. However, there is a solution; people who work from home can choose to invest in affordable quality gym equipment. For a basic training session, a pair of dumbbells is enough. Nevertheless, if you want to increase the intensity, then consider setting up a mini gym at home! Get a cross-trainer, a treadmill or a rowing machine! People in offices who simply cannot have their very own gym can try out various exercises such as jumping jacks, planks or squats which will get the heartbeat up and pumping.
3. Drink plenty of water
Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial all along your fitness journey. Firstly, water promotes the feeling of fullness, and it can help keep the calorie intake in check. According to a fairly recent study, drinking a glass or two of water before a meal can reduce the calorie intake by 13%. Also, some studies have shown that drinking plenty of H2O can help to increase the calories the body burns all throughout the day. Make it a habit to drink a large glass of water in the morning after waking up. This will flush out all the toxins and help with a bowel movement. Also, if you struggle with keeping hydrated, then try out a free app which will help you keep track of your water intake.
4. Sleep at least seven hours every night
Getting enough sleep is extremely important for multiple reasons. Firstly, by making sure you are getting in at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, you are definitely not going to suffer from any type of sleep deprivation. In fact, some studies have shown that one of the main reasons for weight gain in adults is sleep deprivation. When we do not get enough sleep, the hunger hormone ghrelin is at a much higher level. Thus, we tend to crave more food when we are sleepy. Also, people who lack sleep may feel unmotivated to work out or even leave the house.
In summary, with a smarter approach to dieting and exercise, you too can have the body you want whilst still enjoying indulgent treats once in a while. Just make sure to eat right, work out daily, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and sleep it off. Remember, your health is worth it!