The Weightloss Challenge

Losing weight is easier than you think, but a short-lived burst of enthusiasm is not the ideal way to go about it. If you think you can lose weight, you will lose weight. But the thought has to be followed by action. The actual challenge is taking that first step and then it’s all about sustainability. It should be a journey rather than a destination. So, it’s best to make this journey as enjoyable and comfortable as you can.

While most fad-diets seem convenient to follow and may give you results, they’re simply not sustainable. Did you know that you can lose and maintain your weight just by eating wholesome, home-cooked meals? Just eat what you usually eat, but stay away from fried foods, complex carbs and hidden sugar found in breads and packaged food.


WHAT YOU’RE DOING WRONG

Weight gain can be a combination of many factors. Chief among them is lifestyle. We lead a contradictory lifestyle. It is sedentary, yet hectic. The hectic part ensures that we do not get enough time to look after our health. The sedentary part makes sure that we do not get enough exercise. But there are other factors which are responsible for a seemingly abnormal weight gain. These could be: Genetics Hormones Excessive sugar / fats Misinformation / Not reading nutrition facts on a label Inadequate sleep and rest. Add to this, untimely meals, junk food and other indulgences that disturb the body’s natural metabolism rate.

Most of us do not take weight management seriously until we end up being overweight. What we should be doing is take a preventive approach rather than curative.

SUPERFOODS FOR WEIGHTLOSS

Fruits and veggies high on fibre and some superfoods like goji berries, flax seeds, kale, spirulina, green tea and Garcinia Cambogia to name a few are also believed to super charge your weightloss challenge. Garcinia Cambogia is a small fruit that looks like a cross between a pumpkin and a tomato. It is native to Southeast Asia as well as India. In India it is also known as Malabar Tamarind. The fruit’s extracts have the ability to curb appetite. Which is why it is a part of many dietary supplements. Also, people have been using dried Garcinia Cambogia rinds for chutneys, curries and sometimes as an aid for stomach problems for a long time.

MOVE IT

There is no alternative to exercise. Your body has to use all the fuel you’re providing it. A simple 45-min brisk walk every day is the easiest exercise you could do. But extra efforts will give you better results.

BEST EXERCISES:

1. Walking: A 45-minute brisk walk is one of the easiest ways to stay fit.

2. Swimming: Swimming is a lowimpact form of exercise that is easy on your joints. A one-hour swim a day will keep you in the pink of health and help you in weight management.

3. Jogging: A jog every morning will increase your stamina and your capacity to exercise. Start small and gradually increase the duration of your jogs.

4. Jumping rope: Think of your favourite boxers, wrestlers, and fighters—they all jump rope. It’s cheap, easy to do, increases foot speed, and burns a ton of calories.

5. Kettlebells: Kettlebell workouts combine the best of both worlds: strength training and cardio. A recent study on the calorie-burning effects of this type of workout puts it at around 20 calories per minute!

PS: Consult a doctor/expert before trying any of the above



WHY YOGA WORKS:
Yoga can increase our mindfulness and the way we relate to our body. It makes us more aware of what we eat, helping us make better food choices and lose fat.

Surya Namaskar comprises a series of 12 different yoga asanas and helps strengthen the skeletal system and ligaments. Keep breathing in and out during the poses and lose kilos.

Regular yoga practice helps in enhancing the body’s metabolism and speeding up weightloss.