Its about setting realistic goals and making simple lifestyle changesno crash diets required.
Learn about healthy and realistic strategies to reduce body fat long-term.
Setting Realistic Goals
Before jumping into a weight-loss plan, set realistic and achievable weight-loss goals.
Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Starting off with an unattainable goal makes it harder to create long-term change and sets you up for failure.
Instead, think small and short-term.
After the small goal is achieved, set your next one.
This approach creates habit change that leads to sustainable weight loss.
Create a Healthy Eating Plan
Building a healthy eating plan is the cornerstone to losing body fat.
Eat More Fiber
Most Americans dont consume enough fiber, but its incredibly important forfat loss.
Fiber keeps you full between meals, which prevents you from overeating.
Fiber is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes.
Get Protein at Every Meal
Protein is another nutrient that plays a role in satiety.
Incorporate Physical Activity
Staying active is crucial for fat loss.
Examples of moderate-intensity activity include brisk walking, elliptical, cycling, swimming or jogging.
Including a short HIIT workout in your weekly exercise routine may help rev up fat burn.
Another way to promote fat loss is to include movement into your daily activities.
Lifestyle Modifications for Fat Loss
Two words: sleep and stress.
Not sleeping enough can hinder your fat-loss goals.
Whats more, reducing stress may also positively impact sleep.
That said, losing weight or inches off of your body is a good indicator of fat loss.
In addition, an increase in muscle mass may also reflect fat loss.
Make note of your progress.
The Bottom Line
Losing body fat is important for health and energy levels.
Sleep and stress also play a role in fat loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
You dont, in our opinion!
Slow and steady weight loss helps you build healthy habits over time that will stick with you.
Activities like running, walking on an incline or HIIT workouts are excellent for burning body fat.
You cannot pick and choose where you lose fat from the body.
Its realistic to target losing 1 to 2 pounds of body fat per week.
With this gradual fat loss, it may take a month or more to notice body fat loss.
