Today marks the first day of Spring! While many of our first thoughts are “Yay! Warm weather and outdoor fun!”, many of our second thoughts are “oh no that means shorts, tank tops and swimsuits.” Now for all us using Winter clothes are our coverings for all that Winter weight gain, it is now time to get into gear as Spring has arrived!
You wouldn’t think here at NordicTrackCoupon.com we would just leave you out to dry now would ya?! Don’t worry you’re not all out of luck just yet, there is still time! LiveStrong.com has shared show really great Tips to Reduce Body Fat Percentage FAST that we of course wanted to share with our readers and help you all get into those bikinis in no time. So don’t panic and follow the steps below and you’ll be beach side in no time!
Step 1 – add more foods to your diet with low energy density. Low energy density foods are those that are lower in calories but high in nutrients and are still filling. These types of foods “include fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, lean meats and fish.“ Another good thing to do with it comes to your diet is to limit your carbohydrates. While you don’t want to completely cut out, as they are your body’s and especially your brains preferred source of fuel. Be sure to stick to whole grain carbs only and cut out the starchy carbs such as: pasta, rice, bread and of course all those cookies, cakes, and deep-fried foods got to go as well. Try this Post-Workout Strawberry Dream Smoothie that has a great mix of fruit, protein and whole grain; it’s also sure to kick those delicious sugary cravings.
Step 2 – drink a full glass of water with your meals and throughout your day. This tip is going to help you keep your belly full so you are less likely to eat as much. Many often confuse hunger with thirst, so be sure you’re loaded up on water before you make that mistake. “Skip the high-calorie beverages that have no nutritional value, such as flavored lattes, dessert coffees, sweet tea, alcohol and soda.”
Step 3 – graze on small meals spaced two to three hours apart. Eat within the hour of waking up to jumpstart that metabolism bright and early, then continue there on eating every two to three hours. Also be sure to include a healthy balance of protein and carbs with each meal; a good example of this for breakfast would include whole wheat toast and an egg with egg whites scramble.
Step 4 – scan the menu carefully at restaurants to make healthy choices. When out to eat opt for a health appetizer or share a meal with a friend to help reduce the amount of food and therefore calories you’ll consume. “Stick with foods that are boiled, broiled, baked or steamed. Avoid excess dressing, cheese, cream sauces and butter.”
Step 5 – chew your food slowly. Taking the time to chew slowly and swallow completely before your next bite will help prevent you from overeating. It often takes your brain more time to recognize you are full before you stomach will. If you take your time eating it gives your brain a better chance of catching up to those stomach ques.
Step 6 – spend three days a week doing high-intensity interval training. You didn’t think they’d give you all these tips and not include fitness did you?! While your diet is just as important, if you combine HIIT cardio into your new regimen you’ll get your desired spring and summer time results faster! You can apply HIIT to just about anything: “running, spinning, stair-climbing, jumping rope, elliptical training or rowing.” Try out one of these two interval treadmill workouts that are both sure to give you a good sweat.
Step 7 – build muscle in the weight room. According to LiveStrong, “add 3lb. of muscle to your body and you have the potential to burn 1,050 extra calories a week.” To add muscle and burn the fat even faster do multi-joint exercises. “Multi-joint exercises work more than one muscle at a time and promote fast muscle gain. Do three to five set of 10 to 12 reps three days a week.” These exercises include things such as pushups, squats, lunges and deadlifts.
Step 8 – join a recreational sports league in your area to get more activity into your day. Simply finding more active activities can help you to burn even more calories throughout your day. Try finding creative ways to move your body more throughout your day “such as walking around a building before entering, tapping your feet at your desk, walking in place while on the telephone and doing body weight exercises while watching television.” Every little bit helps!
Check out these other Spring Fitness Tips from LiveStrong and their Spring Fitness Ideas to help get you started!