Okay, so you've read some of these articles, done your homework and now you're finally ready to begin a diet and exercise program. But you still have this one same nagging question in the back of your mind... 'Where in the heck do I start?' Being lost in midst of all of these variables is not a hard thing at all. There is sooo much knowledge and guidelines out there that sometimes we don't know how to put it all together. Well today you are in luck!
Being lost in midst of all of these variables is not a hard thing at all. There is sooo much knowledge and guidelines out there that sometimes we don't know how to put it all together. Well today you are in luck!
Before we get into this let me make one thing clear! You are doing the right thing! It is virtually impossible to know everything there is to know about diet and exercise. If everyone waited until they knew everything in order to get started no one would get started. What we first need to do is to construct a plan. Our plan will be simplified but will be enough to get you on the right track.
1. Set your goal(s).
If you don't know what you want or what you are doing you will be less likely to get where you want to go. You also will not have the same determination as you could have. If you don't have a picture of what you want in your mind you will be less motivated. Here are some sample questions you can ask yourself. How much weight do I want to lose? What exactly do I want to look like? Do I want a smaller waist? Do I want bigger arms? What measurements am I looking for? What sort of time frame am I looking at?
When you have done this it doesn't hurt to write your answers down to some of these questions as a reference for later. We as human beings can forget easily! Also, if you have to, record some of your current statistics that relate to your questions like measurements or your weight for example. Then you will have something to compare to and your results can be measured more effectively. Motivation aside, some will even take photographs of themselves. They are also great for motivation as well. In the future I will include articles on motivation.
2. Start to construct your menu along with the quantities.
For some this is the hard part since they don't know how much or how little food to take. I will help you and give you a few sample formulas. The most accurate guideline that I have found (and actually have used) over the years is to multiply your current bodyweight by 10. That's how many calories you should be taking in for the day. Also remember that your true weight is when you get up without any clothes on. So if you weigh 165 pounds for example you would be able to take in 1650 calories a day. Try it!
The second way to do it is to take a piece of paper and record everything you eat for three days. Then after you do that get a calorie counter and total it up for each day. Add them together and then divide that number by 3. This will give you an average of the number of calories you usually would take in. Now you then subtract this number by 500 and that would be your caloric allowance for one day. Neat huh?
3. Begin thinking of your exercise program.
While weight training is not a necessity it is highly recommeded for permanent lasting results. But if inconvenience or a lack of interest is an issue then cardiovascular activity will do just fine! Though what we explored in my other article about weight training is definitely true, it possible by all means to meet your goals with aerobic exercise. As with your goals, ask yourself these questions...Do I like to exercise at home? How much time do I have or am willing to put into it? What types of exercise do I enjoy (eg. walking, stationary bike etc.)? What days am I available?
I will now share with you some quick guidelines concerning your cardio. Incase you didn't know aerobic (meaning with air) exercise is the most beneficial for burning fat. Examples are swimming, jogging, brisk walking, running, stairclimber etc. The easiest to do by far is the exercise bike and walking. To be effective, aerobic exercise must last at least 20 minutes in duration. It doesn't have to be strenuous at all. If you can't hold a reasonable conversation while you train you are working too hard. Your heart rate does not have to be elevated that high. Also, the opposite of aerobic is anaerobic meaning your are using more muscle power. Therefore, if you are on the bike and your legs start to burn release the tension a little bit. Gradually as your muscles become more tired it still takes the same lung power to move the pedals while using lighter resistance. Either way you win!
To start off, 20-30 minutes of cardio three times a week should do wonders for you. As long as you are consistent you will see results. Remember that most of the time it is not the exercise that is at fault but the person doing them or not doing them! Again, exercise does not have to be hard but consistent. I have tried to make these guidelines as easy as possible for you because when it comes down to it, we tend not to do the things we don't like or feel is too strenuous.
There! This plan should be enough to get you started well on your way to meeting your fitness goals. Once you have the foundation laid down in this manner you can use other information you acquire to build upon it. Good luck and take it all the way!
Article by Randy McLean. For a detailed step by step plan on how to lose weight please visit http://www.weightlossguidance.com
apartment cleaning near Highland Park ..A little information if often a dangerous thing... and many... Read More
How many calories do you need? Well, that depends on... Read More
We know that children are becoming obese at an alarming... Read More
Congratulations on waking up each morning and greeting the day... Read More
Saboteurs are people and thoughts that are going to sabotage... Read More
If you are overweight and suffer from pain in your... Read More
You have heard enough about losing weight with various means... Read More
If you are a mom at home on a diet,... Read More
In the medical community, "obesity" is generally said to be... Read More
There are many factors that cause us to increase body... Read More
The best way you can get rid of your pop... Read More
I just read this conventional diet tip ? and we've... Read More
You gain weight when your calorie intake is more than... Read More
If You are sick of losing the same weight over... Read More
Have you been on a new diet for a couple... Read More
Before you even think of taking diet pills to lose... Read More
You're always hungry right? The last thing you have time... Read More
Don't diet, just eat and lose weight!First, the following "diet"... Read More
Everyone is looking for the secret to losing weight. Everyone... Read More
We all have aspects of health we want to improve.... Read More
Weight loss is a hot topic among college students today,... Read More
These days, most everyone has heard of low carb diets... Read More
This is a very important topic that needs to be... Read More
These days more and more people are getting intellectual instead... Read More
Finally - you are alone. No one else is around.... Read More
cleaning lady near Arlington Heights ..Making the Decision:Whether you are interested losing ten pounds that... Read More
You could try one of the many sexual enhancement drugs... Read More
Food manufacturers can easily manipulate a whole population by the... Read More
Losing Weight is All About Counting Calories/Carbs and Exercising. Or... Read More
It is well known that about two-thirds of the U.S.... Read More
MYTH: Fad diets work for permanent weight loss.FACT: Fad diets... Read More
Well, with the success of my article, "Wrinkle Remover That... Read More
What a great world we live in. You want something,... Read More
At the University of Illinois, a new research found that... Read More
Do you know that while you work out the muscles... Read More
We must all now be familiar with the Atkins Diet.... Read More
As an employee of famous fitness star Kathy Smith, personal... Read More
Have you ever wondered why diet books always seem to... Read More
Protein is an essential nutrient necessary for maintaining good health.... Read More
With weight loss comes a lot of dedication and change... Read More
We in the diet and exercise industry have our own... Read More
What is a mini tummy tuck? Officially called a partial... Read More
Dr. Hagglund's Healthy Eating Tips(All wheat products, bananas*, breads, rice,... Read More
Obesity, especially in children, is a matter of rapidly growing... Read More
Having just returned from a week of basking on a... Read More
Q: "I'm wondering if you can help me. I'm not... Read More
In order to identify hunger, you must first understand what... Read More
Believe it or not, losing a little or a lot... Read More
Getting enough of the good fats will help you lose... Read More
The term 'thermogenic' refers to a group of drugs or... Read More
Weight Loss |