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Scientific Weight Loss Formula

Losing weight may seem a mystery to some, but the formula is quite simple. First of all, your body needs fuel in order to function. Whenever possible it uses different types of fuel for different levels of activity.

The high-test fuel made up of carbohydrates is used when the body needs large bursts of energy, such as during strenuous exercise. Carbohydrates, which are essentially different types of sugars, are stored by the body for use at a later time. If these stores are not used, the body may convert them to fat for longer term storage.

Fats account for the lower grade fuel used by the body. They do serve other functions, such as lubricating joints, but they also provide energy during less active times. Proteins can also be used for energy, but this is an inefficient process which the body will usually avoid if it receives properly balanced nutrition.

So with that little bit of knowledge we can find the simple formula for losing weight. There are a few things we need to accomplish in order to lose weight effectively. First we need to periodically use up our carbohydrate stores so they will not be converted to fat. Second we need to increase the amount of energy we expend so that we burn more fuel. Third we need to take steps to increase our metabolism so that we can process foods more quickly. And fourth, we need to cut our consumption of fuel (food) so that we use it up at a faster rate than we put it in.

When you put all these things together you’ll see how simple the formula is. Cause your body to burn more fuels, and put less fuel into the body. Also, if you put in the right mix of fuels, and avoid unhealthy foods, such as trans fats, you will feel healthier. A  balanced diet is essential not only for losing weight, but for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

At FitDaily.com we emphasize a moderate approach to diet that will allow you to lead a normal life, partaking in the many culinary delights there are to enjoy, while still being healthy.

Here are some specifics on how to accomplish the four steps listed above:

Step 1: Regular exercise – Exercise burns carbohydrates and fats, raises the metabolism, and generally strengthens the body.

Step 2: More active lifestyle – Increasing one’s activity level will increase the amount of energy required for each day. By increasing the energy used, it will increase the amount of fat burned. Take up a new physical activity or hobby, or play a sport. Some other examples include walking, biking, and swimming. These do not need to be strenuous activities, because the body tends to burn more fats during lighter activities such as walking, than running (because the body is burning carbohydrates during strenuous exercise, assuming the body has carbohydrate stores remaining).

Step 3: Eat more often, drink plenty of water – This sounds strange at first, but eating smaller, more frequent meals helps to increase the metabolism. Of course it is important that each snack or small meal consist of healthy foods. Becoming more active will also help to increase the metabolism. Try not to drink calories, because sugars obtained from drinks are often converted to fat more rapidly. Drink water instead. Water tends to flush out the system and restore needed hydration better than other drinks. Do note that drinking excessive quantities of water can deplete your body of minerals and electrolytes, and can be unhealthy.

Step 4: Reduce or remove the least healthy foods from your diet - The FitDaily.com approach does not advocate completely cutting out carbs or fats, but we do strongly suggest you carefully account for your intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and cut down your intake of high-glycemic carbohydrates.

The most common saturated fats come from cream and meats, but many other oils, such as coconut and palm kernel oil are high in saturated fat (though these two oils are comprised of a different type of saturated fat).

Trans fats or trans fatty acids come from a process called hydrogenization where unsaturated fats are made “heavier” to change their consistency. Margarine is a classic example of trans fat. Trans fats are somewhat on the decline, but still appear in most baked products such as cookies and crackers.

The other foods to avoid are high glycemic carbs. These are carbohydrates that break down into simple sugar (glucose) more quickly than other carbs. This fast breakdown causes blood sugar levels to spike, to which the body reacts with a surge of insulin. Essentially the more quickly the sugars are released, and the more insulin produced, the more sugar is converted to fat, and the higher the body’s insulin tolerance becomes. Also, because low-glycemic carbs break down more slowly, they provide a steadier stream of nutrients and make you feel less hungry for longer. It should also be noted that the combination of foods, such as adding fats to carbohydrates, can drastically change the glycemic value of foods. So it is not necessary to avoid all high-glycemic foods. The most important thing is to avoid highly refined and processed sugars, where the processing removes most of the nutrients and often concentrates sugars, such as the case with high-fructose corn syrup found in soda and many other foods.

Step 5: Limit total daily calories – If you put in less than you take out each day, you will lose weight. Just try to make sure your total daily caloric consumption does not exceed the total calories you use in a day (for those intending to lose weight). Again, make sure the foods you eat are healthy and low in saturated fat and refined sugars.