Have you been too indulgent during the festive season and feeling fearful of weight gain? Then you must get yourself up and moving to burn off unwanted stored calories that might soon start to show in your tummy and thighs. You do not have to wait until the holiday season is finish before you start a fitness regime. There are a number of simple things that you can start doing right now to get yourself fit.
Go for a brisk walk. Yes this might sound casual but walking can be so much easier than going to the gym and running tirelessly on a tread mill. As little as 20 minutes of low-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can give you a 20 percent surge in energy. Walk around the block once or twice as much as you like. You could foot it alone or invite a family member or friend to share some fun company. If you find that walking is too boring you could choose to jog instead.
When trying to lose belly fat
Start with 10%. People who start by focusing on achieving just 10% of their long-range weight-loss goal may have the best chance of ultimate success.Losing those first pounds yields the biggest health gains, too, since belly fat is usually the first to come off and is the most dangerous.
Drink water. People often mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you feel like noshing, reach for water first. Drinking also helps you feel full. Some experts suggest sipping water (or iced tea) just before you sit down to a meal. Continue drinking as you eat to add volume and weight to your meal.
Go easy on the alcohol. Remember that alcohol is a source of calories. A 12-ounce beer has 150 calories; a 3.5-ounce glass of wine, 85. A margarita packs a bigger caloric punch. Even worse offenders are creamy cocktails, such as brandy alexanders and mudslides — equivalent to drinking a rich dessert. The bottom line: If you’re trying to lose weight, stick with water.
Riding a bike is one of the most active ways to spend your leisure time. According to some fitness experts a relaxing bike ride (<10 mph) burns more calories than an easy walk (2 mph)—281 calories versus 176 calories per hour. Challenge yourself by powering your way up hills and pushing your speed over 10 mph, but even keeping to a leisurely pace is a great way to supplement an active lifestyle.
Go riding with your partner, if you've got kids take them along
The moment a kid realizes s/he’s able to ride a bike is always a moment of elation and often a defining childhood moment. Biking may have been your means of freedom in those earlier years, but it might have also given way to the newfound independence of driving a car as a teenager. Biking continues to be offer fun and freedom for both adults and children. Hop on your bikes and enjoy the outdoors with family.
Make changes to your eating habits
Make weekly resolutions. Don’t try to overhaul your diet overnight. If you make too many changes at once, chances are you’ll get frustrated and throw in the towel. Instead, make one change, such as eating at least one piece of fruit daily, every week then gradually increase.
Go for fat-burning foods. Mother Nature wasn't totally cruel: there are some foods that can keep your metabolism on the up-and-up without you lifting a muscle. They control your hormones and, quite frankly, that's half the battle. So stock up on the list of foods below
Oatmeal
Lowfat or nonfat dairy (a little counterintuitive, but studies say that those who consume suggested amounts of dairy burn fat easier than those who don't
Healthy fats, like nuts, avocados, olive oils, and fatty fish
Eggs (even better -- egg whites)
Spicy foods
Grapefruit