When you embark on a campaign to lose weight, you should know the first rule of weight loss: burn more calories than you consume. But what’s the most effective way to do that? Should you diet, exercise, or do both?
If you limit your weight loss plan to eating less, you will begin to notice a difference very quickly. Just by cutting 300 calories a day from your normal eating habits, you can lose a pound (approximately 3500 calories) every 11-12 days. At some point, though, you will be unable to cut any more calories. On average, nutrition experts recommend a minimum of 1200 calories a day for most people. Eating fewer calories than this amount on a consistent basis is likely to make your body think that you’re starving, slowing your metabolism down. You might even gain weight!
Similarly, by exercising without any dietary planning, you will see initial weight loss as you burn more calories; however, there is a ceiling to your weight loss. Unless you have the time, ability, and motivation to work out at high-intensity, high-calorie-burning levels for a significant period of time every day, your weight loss will plateau.
The most effective method of losing weight quickly and in a healthy manner is a combination of both diet and exercise. You will see results faster, experience more long-term success, and feel healthier as a result.
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