Important Factors in a Weight Loss Journey
Important Factors in a Weight Loss Journey
Getting your ideal body involves many different steps. Weight loss and fitness are a lifelong journey, not simply a quick diet change. Understand what factors will be important in your fitness journey, and what to expect on your way to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Nutrition
Going on a “diet” will definitely provide some fast wins. You’ll lose weight quickly if you follow almost any diet plan correctly. TV shows feature “extreme weight loss” and celebrity transformations in short periods of time, but unfortunately, most of us cannot maintain these diets as a lifestyle. Often, that lost weight will be gained back, and sometimes additional pounds will be packed on, too.
The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to make healthy nutrition choices – and it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Don’t focus just on calories, but make those calories count by choosing lean proteins and whole grains. Limit sugars and saturated fats. Develop nutrition habits that you can maintain on a regular basis, instead of focusing on short-term restrictions.
Exercise and Activity
A healthy lifestyle needs to incorporate some level of activity, not just diet. The heavier you are, the less active you’ve likely been. Extreme weight can make movement not only difficult but painful. Even a small start can make a big difference. Most gyms offer a complimentary fitness evaluation when you join, or you can hire a personal trainer to help you develop an exercise plan. The important thing is to get moving safely, so you don’t get hurt and set yourself back any further.
Getting moving is the hard part, and most people begin to enjoy exercise once they’ve raised their level of fitness. It is recommended that you get some form of aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, three times a week. Every effort makes a difference, with even a 15-minute walk burning an extra 100 calories or more.
Repairing the Damage
Extreme weight can cause dangerous stress to your body. While a healthy diet and exercise plan will drastically improve your health, you may be left with some additional problems even after you lose the weight. One of those common problems involves excess skin.
Often when weight is lost, especially during rapid weight loss, your skin will not catch up. This can leave unsightly hanging “flab” that makes it difficult to wear certain types of clothing. More severe cases may cause pain, skin damage, or restrict movement. This skin won’t “unstretch” anytime soon, so a popular repair involves getting this skin surgically removed. A body contouring body lift takes a nip and tuck from head to toe, removing this excess skin and revealing your toned and healthier body beneath.
Obesity has also been associated with arthritis, gout, and cartilage damage. Every extra pound of weight exerts around 4 pounds of pressure on the knee. To improve heart and lung health, losing weight is the first step. For some, obesity damage may need additional treatment even after weight loss. If you are experiencing joint pain which is not improved with your new, healthier lifestyle, you may need to consult with an orthopedist and/or physical therapist to develop a therapy plan.
Losing weight and developing a healthy lifestyle is more than a diet change and an exercise class. You will need to make lifelong nutritional changes, stay active, exercise regularly, and work to repair any weight-related damage to your body. The rewards of being healthy are worth it!
