“Weight loss” is a powerful term that leads many people to believe they’re carrying around “more than they need.”
Being at a lower body weight means being in good health, looking good, and enjoying a higher quality of life. Which is partly true. Inevitably, when we’re thinking about weight loss, the first thought that comes to mind is: which diet is best? That is, which diet is the fastest way to melt away those cushions of fat?
The answers to this question—in the form of dietary suggestions and tools—are all over the media, in pharmacies, and on the market. This helps generate big sales in the diet and wellness industries.
In my opinion, however, no diet on its own is capable of helping us lose weight!
Besides that, women in particular need a certain amount of body fat to stay healthy. My post Love your fat cushions! has more information about this idea.
Instead of starting with diet, we want to approach weight loss from the other end. In other words, we want to ask ourselves:
“What do I do?” instead of “What do I eat?”
First and foremost, when it comes to weight loss, we have to give up our “I’m feeling lazy” diet! Why? One of the best ways to decrease body fat is to increase muscle mass through exercise and sports.
Even when we’re at rest, our muscles burn energy. In other words, our muscles are the best natural weight-loss remedy that comes from within.
But this doesn’t mean that exercising gives you permission to pig out. There are still a few rules to follow here. Still, there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself now and then. In fact, it’s a good idea to do it occasionally. Why? Giving yourself permission to splurge contributes to feelings of inner satisfaction—and to your long-term success!
Here’s my strategy for successful, long-term weight loss:
- 3 times/week: 1 hour of exercise (45 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of strength training)
- 2 times/week: 20 minutes of stretching and/or yoga
- 1 time/week: 15-30 minutes of dancing
- 1 time/week: Rest
Nutrition: not so many carbs, lots of protein, fresh vegetables, 2-3 liters of sugar-free/alcohol-free fluids per day
Voilà.
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