Weight loss can be an arduous and difficult task. Striving to lose just 20 pounds can be a frustrating feat, so going for 100 pounds can definitely seem to be impossible. We turn to weight loss supplements because they tout rapid and effortless reduction in weight.
It is impossible for cows to jump over the moon because it goes against the laws of nature. (Smile). But, for us to reach a healthy weight and get back to being ourselves: that is not impossible. Carrying around excessive weight causes us to be other than ourselves. It goes against our very nature which is why obesity often leads to various comorbidities.
It was not until my mom had a stroke that I started evaluating my own health. My evaluation showed that I was not in good shape. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, and my BMI was at the borderline of the obese range. I knew I needed to make a change, so I went to work.
I tried many different weight loss methods; most of them were toxic. I subjected myself to fad diets, smoothie cleanses, and detoxes all in an effort to lose weight. After I was introduced to health documentaries such as Fed Up and What the Health and studied Minister Farrakhan's Self Empowerment Through Healthful Living, I was given guidance that aided me in nearly doubling my weight loss goal of 50 pounds.
This powerful juice wakes up the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
Here are 5 lifestyle habits that helped me lose 100 pounds and keep it off:
1. Intermittent Fasting as a way of life
Many people have attempted intermittent fasting (IF) as a weight-loss method, and it works. That is, it works as long as they continue to fast. I knew a guy who lost 120 pounds (no exaggeration) with time-restricted eating. He ate within a 4-hour window and fasted for 20 hours. When asked what he ate every day, he gleefully replied “a large pizza.”
I was also practicing (IF), and although I had not become a vegetarian yet, I still ate a sensible diet. I primarily ate white meat, very little fried foods, and lots of spring salad mix and fresh fruit.
Months had gone by before I saw the guy again, and I noticed that he gained much of his weight back. He explained that he had gotten away from fasting, but he was back on it. The next time I saw him (many months later) he was bigger than he was even before he lost weight.
My point: IF has to be a way of life for sustainable weight loss. Fasting has been a lifestyle for me since 2016, and I have not had any issues with regaining the weight that I lost.
2. Becoming a vegetarian
I never intended to become a vegetarian. The more I gain knowledge of health, the better my diet became. One aspect of improving my diet was that I was eating meat less often. When I did have some, I would only eat white meat. Over time my portions of meats were being replaced with beans and mushrooms.
I officially became a vegetarian in January 2017. Since that time, my health (blood pressure and cholesterol) improved and I have not had to resort to any extreme dieting practices to keep the weight off.
3. Taking 10,000 steps per day
I am a moderately active person. I move a lot during the day, and I’m always conscious of hitting my 10,000 step goal every day. Perhaps, this is where my love for jogging developed. Nonetheless, by staying active I burn enough calories to maintain a healthy weight range.
I do not limit myself to standard exercises. I help my wife garden, play basketball with my children, and do house chores. All of these activities require movement, and movement burns extra calories.
This powerful juice wakes up the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
4. Strength Training 3–4 times per week
Strength training is a great way to build muscle and burn fat. Losing excess fat is what you really want out of your weight loss journey. Keeping muscle mass and reducing body fat is the optimal result of losing weight.
Cardio is important, but strength training is necessary as part of a balanced lifestyle. Working muscle groups together is an effective way to strengthen your body and tone your muscles.
Strength training a few times a week has helped me stay in shape and kept the weight off. At the start of this pandemic, many people were putting on the now infamous ‘quarantine 15.’ However, I did not have to change a thing with my diet and lifestyle. I stayed active as I normally would, continued IF, and strength training with my home gym equipment. As a result, I did not gain weight.
5. Spending time doing what I enjoy
Writing has always been a favorite hobby of mine. Prior to focusing on health and weight loss, I used to write short stories about whatever I would imagine. Writing is something that I enjoy, and doing the things that we enjoy reduces stress.
Although it is not often specifically mentioned in the weight loss community, stress does have a negative impact on weight loss. Stress causes the body to produce cortisol. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, leads to weight gain. Stress can lead us to engage in unhealthy habits: eating high-calorie ‘comfort foods,’ drinking too much alcohol, and losing vital sleep.
To engross ourselves in healthy, productive hobbies can reduce stress and promote other healthy habits. When I am writing or filming and editing a YouTube video, snacking is not on my mind. By staying productive, I eat less. By avoiding unhealthy snacking, my calorie intake stays in a range that helps to manage my weight.
These are just some examples of how I eat and live that helps with weight control. The only time managing my weight is on my mind is when I’m writing about it. Because of my lifestyle habits, I do not have a reason to focus on weight loss or weight control.
I hope that you found this information valuable.
This powerful juice wakes up the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.
No comments:
Post a Comment