by Wade Hoover

Created on: November 28, 2008   Last Updated: April 09, 2009

Everyone wants to lose weight, or so they think. Herein lies the problem. There is so much misinformation out there that no-one seems to know what to do or how to go about the process. I promise you this. By the end of this article, you will know EVERYTHING you need to know to accomplish what you want to accomplish!

First of all, what you really want to do is lose fat, not weight. If you simply lose weight, you can actually lose muscle and retain fat. This is the opposite of what you want to accomplish. Now, before I go any further, ladies, MUSCLE IS GOOD! I'm not talking about being muscle-bound, or a bodybuilder. I'm talking about being fit, in proportion and healthy, not "muscular".

The best way to lose weight is to lose fat. The best way to do this is to change your way of doing things. You need to live a healthier lifestyle. Now, don't panic! I'm not going to try to turn you into an Olmpic athlete. I'm going to help you to solve this problem.

The reason diets fail, is simple. They are designed to MAKE MONEY, no get you healthy! Let me explain. How are ALL diets marketed? They tell you how much "weight" you will lose in a specified amount of time. Usually 30 days. Am I right? Then what happens? You go on the diet, you lose weight fast, and you tell your friends about this great new diet (so they can buy the book too). Then, as time goes by, you stop losing weight, and usually put on more than you had to start with. Does this sound familiar? Let me tell you why this happens.

When you go on a diet, you are taking in less calories. Your body's metabolism is used to burning calories at a certain rate. When you stop eating that many calories, and your body is still burning them off at the same rate. You are in a calorie deficit. You are now losing weight. Your body is being shocked and hasn't had time to adjust. IT WILL!

Your body wants to survive. If it feels you are burning too fast, your metabolism will slow down to prevent starvation. Guess what else your body does? When it fears starvation, your body begins to burn off muscle and actually tries to save fat! Why? Because muscle burns 40% more calories, at rest, than fat does. Your body wants to store the fat to be burned for energy later. Once you lose the weight, and you're feeling relaxed about your diet, you may even eat a little more. Now, however, you are burning calories at a much slower rate than you were before. This leads to the yo-yo effect.

So. What do you do about this? Exercise! Work your muscles "especially your legs"! Your legs are your largest muscles and require the most calories to work. Train them hard and heavy to reach the deepest fibers and you will bur calories more quickly. And no, you wont get larger thighs! To do that you will have to eat "EXTRA" calories , in protein and carbs, in order to replenish what you have burned off, and even MORE calories to build up muscle! I have to eat so much more when I train legs heavy, that I feel like all I do is eat! I stuff myself!

What you need to do is find balance. All things in moderation. Increase your exercise, decrease your caloric intake (but don't starve yourself) and choose healthier meals. Also, have 2 "cheat meals" per week. These are meals that you enjoy, but may not be the most low-fat. I suggest Wednesday and a weekend meal as well. It'll keep you on track. If you want to know more, you can pick up my book "The Junkfood Eater's Diet" at buybooksontheweb.com. GOOD LUCK!

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