Can you lose weight without being on a strict diet and just exercise?
I just joined a fitness center last thursday and I have a membership for a year. If i go to the gym 5 days a week and workout and do the different fitness classes they have, and not put myself on a very strict diet would i be able to lose weight at a good pace? Any advice on what i should do or what kind of diet I should go on? Im new at this whole fitness and losing weight thing. I am 19 years old if that helps! thank you!
Yes. People who go on diets often put their body into survival mode where they conserve all of their body fat. By working out you will slowly lower your bodies idea of a “regular” weight and become slimmer. You will be able to eat more without gaining, so as long as you don’t overeat and are at least a little healthy with your eating you will be fine with exercise.
As long as you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming, than yes, you’ll lose weight no matter what you’re doing.
If you eat 2,000 calories a day but workout for hours and end up burning 1,800 calories that day, you’ll still gain weight.
If you eat 1,400 calories and don’t work out at all and end up burning 1,600 calories that day, you’ll lose weight.
It’s all about in and out. Is your out more than your in?
(None of my numbers are suggested caloric amounts nor diet guidelines and were merely for explanation purposes.)
Not at a good pace no. What will happen is you’ll go to the gym while eating like crap, and then realize that your diet is holding you back. Not only will it impede your progress with having a sexy body, but it will not give you the energy you need to work out hard. You won’t have the stamina and you’ll tire easily due to the malnutrition that comes with a bad diet. The exercise will make you want to eat right. That’s what happened to me. Besides you’ll get such a sense of accomplishment from having a good workout and then following it up with a healthy nutritious meal, you’ll soon associate one with the other, the healthy meal will be like the final step of your workout routine. It just doesn’t feel right to go and put in all that energy to work out and then negate all your efforts by going to McDonalds.
So for now, since you just started, just start with making appearances at the gym, like 3 days a week is fine to start. Do strength training, cardio, whatever, the idea is just to keep doing it, get comfortable using the machines and weights. Then once you do that you can work on getting more regimented in your routine and going more often. You will also learn what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are and you’ll be able to modify your own routine based on what you need to work on most. It’s a learning process, just remember your doing this for fun so just have fun with it. If you’re not having fun, try something else! The idea is to listen to your body it will tell you what you need to do and what you need to not do. Listening to your body is also where you’ll find the motivation to eat right
PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
While more and more restaurants are offering low-carb friendly menu items, many of them are still not ideal low-carb fare. There are many recipes for quick and easy meals that you can prepare yourself at home. Try to do this as often as possible.
If you cook your own foods, you know exactly what the contents are and you will be able to better control for hidden sugar and otherwise processed foods.
Another benefit is the cost savings over the long run. Even if you must go to the grocery store more often, you will save a significant amount per meal as opposed to eating at restaurants and fast food establishments.
It will also be easier to maintain your diet with your own favorite fresh food selections on hand.
Buy a pedometer, clip it to your belt, and aim for an extra 1,000 steps a day. On average, sedentary people take only 2,000 to 3,000 steps a day. Adding 2,000 steps will help you maintain your current weight and stop gaining weight; adding more than that will help you lose weight.