If you are getting a little older, and maybe a little thicker, you might consider revving up your metabolism as a way to lose inches and pounds. There are definite fat burning tricks that you can use to achieve this goal.
Don't consider "dieting" as something you want to do now; you know, lose the fat, and then return to normal later. No, look at these following suggestions as a way to live, where you can enjoy good food and still look good.
Let's look at some proven ways to burn fat.
Enjoy a controlled calorie breakfast that contains protein, fat and carbohydrates. Determine your caloric needs based on your desired weight. Breakfast should be no more than 20% of your daily calories, factoring in 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. Breakfast is important because you have been fasting all night. Eating a light meal will turn on your fat burning capabilities by switching on your metabolism. Skipping breakfast won't help you lose fat, but will cause you to lose muscle. When you lose muscle first, you lose fat burning capability.
Have a calorie-controlled snack a few hours later. Go easy on fat, get your protein, and carbohydrates. Look for foods rich in fiber. You'll feel fuller on fewer calories, have energy, and keep your fat burning apparatus working.
Drink cold water. Have a glass at breakfast. Your metabolism will speed up to warm the beverage, thus burning calories. In foreign countries, many people drink water with their cups of coffee, equal amounts of each. Dehydration, even slight, makes for fat storage. Drink up and slim down.
Exercise. Wait a minute, don't get scared off, you can do moderate exercise even while you are watching TV. You know its important, but don't go overboard. Grab a light to moderate weight (you probably have canned foods, or milk jugs or whatever in your kitchen) and at commercial time do some biceps curls. Do a dozen repetitions and then repeat a couple of times. Next commercial do something else, maybe lunges or squats. Start slowly. What's most important is consistency. Do some exercise every day. If you are sitting in a recliner watching TV, when a commercial comes on. March in place. Please try to get moving, it not only burns calories but burns fat too, as well as toning your muscles to make you look fitter.
Make lunch healthy. Drink more water. Remember the balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber. Make it a challenge to seek out quality food. You can do it. Eschew white bread, French fries and sugary drinks. Have a healthy dessert, like an apple and small piece of cheese.
Stress. People talk about stress, but they mean distress. Try to stay calm in traffic and other situations. Deep breathing will help you. Distress causes the hormone cortisol to flow, which enables your body to store fat, so remember to breathe, and hum also. It will calm you down.
A little exercise daily and sensible eating goes a long way to burn fat. Read the nutrition labels, get enough protein, watch your portions, and measure everything. Be careful of packaged products. They can be unhealthy as well as expensive. There are lots of simple yet nutritious meals you can easily prepare. Review your recent meals; you may be able to substantially improve them.
Use these tips and start to get your weight under control. Then keep it under control. A little slip once in awhile won't kill you, but resolve to stay on track.