FinallyitFits

Exercise While You Diet To Get Fit

It is important to follow a healthy eating plan as excessive body weight can lead to many problems, one of them being heart disease. Along with sensible eating we should exercise, those needing to lose weight should do so a little at a time and slowly increase daily physical activity.

Guidelines for a physical activity programme

• Consult a Doctor before attempting a physical activity programme, especially if you are obese or have any major health problems such as diabetes or problems with your heart.

• Don’t rush, build up your exercise routine slowly to let your body get used to the new regime.

• Build up to 30 minutes or more of moderate cardiovascular exercise everyday, this can be all at once or spread out over sessions throughout the day.

• Try to add strength developing exercises into your daily routine.

• Walk instead of using the car or public transport whenever you can.

• Find activities you enjoy doing in your spare time such as gardening, biking and joining in sports.

• Match your activities to your age and physical condition.

• Make your daily exercise routine enjoyable for example listen to your favourite music.

• Never try to do too much exercise always know your limits.

Weight loss tips

• The way to successful weight loss is taking in less calories than you expend.

• Make your meals smaller and eat more often.

• Eat foods that are packed with nutrients such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables.

• Take your time and savour each mouthful of food and always wait 15 minutes before having second helpings.

• Don’t rule out the foods you enjoy just because you are on a diet, many people give up because of this reason. If you enjoy sweets, biscuits, cakes or chocolate then treat yourself to a small amount weekly.

• Make sure there are plenty of healthy snacks available such as carrot sticks and fresh fruit.

• Make sure you drink plenty of water.

• Three quarters of your dinner and lunch should consist of vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and grain products.

• Eat as much dark green and orange vegetables as you can.

• Choose low in fat dairy products and make sure meat is lean and trim off any outside fat before cooking.

• Limit the use of extra fats in cooking such as oil and margarine.

• Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and salt. Also try and cut down on added sugar in your diet.

• Don’t eat just for the sake of it, there are no rules that state just because it’s lunch or dinner time you have to eat.

• Limit the amount of snacks you eat such as biscuits, chocolate and cakes as these are high in salt, sugar and fat.

• Eat a variety of foods don’t think just because you’re on a diet it has to be boring.