If you are over 25 now, then you most probably have decided at least once in your life that you want to follow a weight loss plan; however it may seem that with every day that passes, that goal seems harder and harder to reach. When we are young, weight loss means nothing, it is a simple task to perform and it is also quick and painless; however, with time, it seems that we gain weight much easier, and it also seems like getting rid of a few pounds takes an eternity.

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The reason why weight loss becomes increasingly difficult with time is because your metabolism will slow down as you age, which means that you will be absorbing fat much faster than you can dispose it. It also means that, with time, you will not be getting any taller, but you will definitely start getting much wider. If you are living this situation, fear not, for there is an answer for your prayers.

Weight loss is a process that does not need to be that hard, however it seems that society has placed this task under the “near impossible label”, the only thing that you need to do is watch your nutrition closely and practice some exercise routines at least twice a week; but the most important thing that you should do when aiming to follow a weight loss routine is to have discipline and the motivation to strictly do whatever it takes. Once you have made up your mind about following a weight loss procedure, then believe me, you are half done.

Check what you eat, you will probably need to lower the amount of calories you consume every day. The problem with today’s food is that it contains outrageous amounts of calories, and we have grown used to them, however if you take a closer look at what you eat, you may quickly start developing a taste for healthier meals, which will seriously boost your chances of being successful in your new quest for weight loss.

Food and exercise, these are the 2 main factors that a person aiming to follow a weight loss procedure should practice, and since we have already discussed the eating factor, it is time for us to start talking about the exercise routines. Exercise is essential in mostly every weight loss procedure because it will help you in burning the excessive amounts of fat that you have accumulated in your body, and also because it will decrease your chances from suffering an illness related to an excessive weight.

Getting to the ROOT of the matter: If the plants in your garden are not healthy looking, just trimming them back will not take care of the problem. What do the roots look like? I am no psychologist, but there is a very interesting twist you need to understand before you begin any weight loss or fitness program. To change unwanted behaviors, it’s important to acknowledge your thinking toward exercise and eating. A lot of people believe they know what that thinking is, but haven’t come to grips with their core beliefs. In other words, they have to get to the “root of the matter.”

The truth is more Americans are overweight and out-of-shape today than ever before. Why? In order to change your attitude toward exercise and food, you have to understand the WHYs of the behavior. You are going to have to dig deep, find the root of the problem, nurture and understand it.

From my e book FACE TO FACE => www.resolutions.bz

Your BELIEF system: The reason you have certain behaviors is based on the core beliefs of your value system. It is here–inside–where things need to be addressed. Beliefs form barriers that stop you from starting or following through on a regular exercise and eating program.

Most barriers fall into these categories of acceptance:

Accept:

Your Self-Limitations and Self-Expectations

Your Circumstances—Past and Present

Your True Reality of Life

Limitations: Some individuals have certain limitations. They may have physical setbacks, such as heart, joint, muscular or mental problems, i.e. depression.

Limitations also come from outside influences and responsibilities brought on by lifestyles, such as kids, work, and money. Acknowledging your limitations helps you develop strategies, thus empowering you instead of hindering your capabilities.

Expectations: There is nothing wrong with setting goals; however, setting expectations too high could frustrate you. Do not set of expectations so high that your obligations in life will not allow you to accomplish the goal!

Circumstances: We all know that life is not fair. Eating properly and exercising comes easier for some than for others. We can accept our circumstances without falling victim to them. There are plans that can be created in order to work around events in life.

Truth and reality of your life: A lot of times it is much easier to deny reality than to accept it. You can cloud the truth and say you believe this or that, but sooner or later in order for you to get in better shape you have to deal with the TRUTH, not the illusion!

Illusions can sink your dreams: Remember the story of the Titanic; the ship advertised “unsinkable.” It was the largest ship ever built and people rushed to take the maiden voyage. Much to everyone’s surprise, the Titanic did sink, but why did it sink? The captain of the Titanic saw the dangerous iceberg ahead and steered away thinking he could avoid it. What he didn’t see was the enormous mass of ice under the surface.

In order to change attitudes toward exercise you have to check under the surface. It takes time, effort, and energy, and in some cases, outside professional assistance to get to the TRUTH of the matter…to see what is below, admit it is there and bring it up to the surface. If you have a hard time following through on an eating plan, chances are barriers have formed, and stop you from smooth sailing. You are resisting exercise!

Changing your unwanted behaviors toward exercise and food is like looking at an iceberg. What is really happening is below the surface not above. I call this the iceberg effect.

A healthy diet and adequate exercise are necessary for weight loss. The loss of weight associated with a chronic illness is referred to as cachexia. Unexpected, unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Losing weight and keeping it off is a real challenge for most people. Exercise helps to burn excess calories and build muscle, both of which are important for weight management. Exercise increases your metabolism, burns excess calories, and increases your muscle mass, which in turn burns more calories. Exercising too hard or trying to do too much too quickly in the beginning can lead to burnout, serious injuries, and frustration. Instead, you should gradually begin to increase the intensity of your workout. The reasons to lose weight are as numerous as the number of dieters, but health and self-esteem top most people’s lists.

Because of the complexity of weight loss, gain, and maintenance, women need to understand that a quick and effortless weight loss is worthless. Extra weight can aggravate heart problems, and can cause diabetes and a host of other scary medical problems. Exercising on an empty stomach does not affect how you lose weight. In fact, it may hinder it if you don’t have the energy to exercise. You should at least drink a glass of juice prior to your workout if you’re exercising in the morning. Spot exercises, like sit-ups, crunches, hip raises, leg raises, hip adduction, hip abduction, etc. can only develop the muscles adjacent to the fat. They cannot burn fat from the area exercised.

Aerobic Exercise:

1. If you want to lose weight, cardio-aerobic exercise is one of the best types of physical activity. It also provides a range of general health and fitness benefits.

2. Aerobic exercise is any extended activity that makes you breathe hard while using the large muscle groups at a regular, even pace.

3. Aerobic activities help make your heart stronger and more efficient. They also use more calories than other activities.

4. Some examples of aerobic activities include: Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobic dancing, racket sports, skating (all types), skiing, using aerobic equipment, or general aerobic exercises.