Are there better ways to burn calories than others? Does timing meals or exercise make a difference? The experts at MediPlan Diet Services hear these questions daily from those who are trying to burn enough calories, lose more weight, and develop a healthier lifestyle.
If you diet, exercise, and still feel like weight loss is becoming a continuous battle, our professionals share seven tips below that could help you find the perfect balance.
Eat Breakfast
You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this statement is more like a command for those who are prioritizing weight loss. When you wake up, the body is in a “fasting” state. It needs fuel to help it kickstart processes and work effectively for the day ahead.
Eating a healthy breakfast will jumpstart metabolism and regulate blood sugar. Without these two functions, burning calories is far less efficient.
Plan Small, Frequent Meals
Most diet professionals recommend eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. It is an excellent way to fire up your metabolism, which means the body will burn more calories while digesting food. The more often you eat, the more calories your system could process over the day.
If your meals are healthy and balanced, this principle will serve you well. However, you should be even more cautious not to overeat at each sitting.
Try Caffeinated Black or Green Teas
Tea can boost metabolism and help the body burn fat. A cup or two of caffeinated tea is incredibly effective for burning more calories throughout the day, but limit the caffeine intake if you notice jitters or an increased heart rate. Green tea is a particularly good option, as it contains antioxidants that may improve overall health.
Switch to Low Fat
Are you a fan of dairy products? Opt for the low-fat versions. For example, whole milk contains more fat and calories than skim milk, and the same idea applies to cheese and yogurt.
Switching to lower fat cuts down on calorie intake. It also ensures that you still get the calcium and other nutrients your body needs from having dairy as part of a balanced diet.
Drink Lots of Water
Consuming enough water hydrates the body to keep the skin healthy and give the cells and organs what they need to thrive. However, drinking before meals might also fill you up and prevent overeating. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, more on hot days or if you exercise frequently.
Prioritize Strength Training
Balancing cardiovascular exercise with strength training is also vital for burning more calories. Building muscle requires more energy, and so does maintaining this muscle mass. So, you can burn calories even when you’re not working out if you incorporate enough strength training into your exercise regime.
Move
How can you burn calories even when you are not at the gym? By moving more often.
- Take the stairs
- Move around
- Don’t sit for too long
The more active you are, the more calories you’ll burn.
The right supplements, exercise regime, and meal plans can help anyone lose weight. And remember, most people do not see immediate results, so do not give up! Call MediPlan Diet Services at 901-362-7546 today for great ways to burn calories and achieve your health goals.