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Exercise Alone Won't Help You Lose Weight

By: david

Exercise is an essential part of any weight loss program. However, it is important to remember that exercise alone is not the only factor in weight loss.

The other important factor is of course diet. No matter how rigorous your exercise routine is, you have to pay attention to what you eat.

There is an old adage that "a calorie is a calorie is a calorie." But that' a myth, a 100-calorie jelly doughnut does not provide the same nutritional benefit as a 100-calorie salad.

Here is what you should look for in a healthy diet.

Protein: Protein gives you the energy you need to complete your weight loss program. Current guidelines call for women to eat 100 grams of protein per day. Men should eat 150 grams per day. This includes lean meat, meal replacement shakes and protein powders. The body uses protein to produce glucagon, a hormone that decreases the body's cholesterol production and encourages the body to burn body fat for energy.

Whole grains: Your body uses the fiber from whole grains to keep your digestive system functioning properly. Whole grains also help you to feel fuller more quickly than processed foods such as white bread, rice and pasta. Whole grain foods are also converted into blood glucose more slowly than more refined bread and grain products, thus contributing sugar highs and lows. Current recommendations call for 3 ½ oz of whole grains each day.

Vegetables: Vegetables provide many vitamins and nutrients you cannot get elsewhere. Like protein, these nutrients give your body an extra burst of energy that is essential in exercise programs. Vegetables also provide fiber that helps you to feel full quickly. Vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. Current guidelines call for three to five servings of vegetable per day.

Fruit: As with vegetable, fruit also provides the body with vitamins and minerals critical to healthy body function. It also provides fiber that helps digestion and helps you to feel satisfied. Fruit also provides a taste of sweetness that helps you to enjoy a meal. Current recommendations call for eating five servings of fruit each day.

Water. Everybody needs water in order to survive. Water helps to flush fat and toxins from the body. Water also helps you to feel full so you eat less. Many experts say those hunger pangs we all feel from time to time are actually the first signs of dehydration. Keep your body properly hydrated helps mental clarity and helps your hair and skin to look their best. Traditional guidelines call for adults to drink eight, 8 oz glasses of water each day.

It is important when following these guidelines to prepare your food correctly. Eat vegetables raw or steamed rather than slathered in butter. Fruit roll-ups do not count as a serving of fruit. A double cheeseburger is not right way to get your protein.

Following these guidelines, you will not only be giving your body the nutrients it needs, you will also have less room for sweets, salty foods and other junk food that contribute nothing to your body's good health.

In order to follow your exercise regime, your body needs the right nutrients. Change your diet and you will soon have the body you've always dreamed of.

About the author

Extreme Body Workout sells multiple programs, such as the 10 minute trainer and PX90 system, designed for losing weight, increasing cardiovascular health, increasing muscle mass and forming a sculpt hard body. Time and work are the only ways to a trim figure, their P90X will help you reach your target goals. They also feature a full line of supplements to increase muscle mass and speed the metabolism up to help weight loss.

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