Diet and exercise should go hand in hand, the basic principle of any diet is to use more calories than you consume so you are in a calorific deficit.

Cutting back calories is one way of reaching your goal, only if you are using up more calories during the day than you consume without activity. But to boost your chances of losing fat you must exercise.

There are many reasons why exercise is an important factor in your lifestyle, but exercising when you are wishing to lose weight is sensible as your bodys natural response to calorie cutting is to go into starvation mode. Starvation mode is when your body slows down the metabolism so it can conserve the energy your body has to make it last longer. So rather than drastically cutting calories it is more advisable to exercise.

Aerobic exercise is the way to increase the amount of calories you burn. Aerobic exercise will raise your heart rate which increases the amount of calories you burn. Exercises include, running, walking, swimming, cycling and jogging, of course there are many more aerobic activities to choose from its just a matter of personal taste.

Here are some tips to help you lose weight:

Eat less processed foods and more fresh produce.

Eat and chew your food slowly, try to stop eating before you feel full. It takes around 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it is full.

Exercise, even if it is just a small walk, every little helps.

Drink plenty of water, 6 C 8 glasses a day, this is very important not only to help you lose weight, but for your general well being.

Make your food portions smaller.

Eat smaller meals more frequently, try including protein with each meal as it digests slower and keeps your blood sugar levels on an even keel.

Remember that there are times when you are going to have off days, and you may eat a little more than you should or exercise a little less. Dont feel guilty as it is perfectly normal, just stay motivated and determined and you will be fine.

If you decide that you are going to try one of the popular diets on the market, ie Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach Diet or The Zone Diet, you must speak to your doctor first.

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