Losing weight made easy – How to reach your desired weight
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Losing weight is a process that requires patience, discipline and a clear strategy. But before you start, it is important to know your personal reason . Whether it is to live healthier, have more energy, feel more comfortable in your own body or minimize certain health risks - your "why" is the engine that will get you through the ups and downs.
How do you find your “why”?
- Health : You want to reduce your risk of disease and improve your overall well-being.
- Self-confidence : You feel more comfortable in your own skin and gain more self-confidence in everyday life.
- More energy : With less weight you feel more vital and have more energy for everyday life and sporting activities.
- Improve your quality of life : You want to be more active, play with your children or simply become fitter and more agile.
Create a calorie deficit
The most important aspect of losing weight is the calorie deficit . Without a deficit - that is, consuming fewer calories than your body burns - fat loss is not possible. Your body then resorts to stored energy (fat) to meet its needs.How do you calculate your calorie deficit?
To calculate your daily calorie needs (TDEE), you can use an online calculator or formulas such as the Harris-Benedict formula . A healthy deficit is 300-500 calories below your TDEE, resulting in a weekly weight loss of about 1-2 pounds .Tips to achieve a calorie deficit:
- Portion control : Make sure to eat smaller portions and listen to your hunger pangs.
- Healthy alternatives : Swap high-calorie foods for nutrient-rich alternatives.
- Save calories on drinks : Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices, opt for water or tea instead.
- Intermittent fasting : Limit your food intake to a specific period of time during the day.
Protein-rich diet
Protein is a crucial factor in the weight loss process. It keeps you full for longer, protects your muscle mass and promotes fat burning through what is known as thermogenesis .Why is protein so important?
- Satiety : Protein keeps you full longer and reduces the urge to snack.
- Maintain muscle mass : Protein protects your muscles during a calorie deficit.
- Calorie consumption : Your body needs more energy to digest protein than fats or carbohydrates.
How much protein do you need?
A daily protein intake of 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight is recommended to ensure that your body is adequately supplied to burn fat while protecting muscles.Actively avoiding snacks
A common stumbling block when losing weight is unhealthy snacks , which often contain unnecessary calories. Eating a high-protein diet will keep you full longer and reduce the urge to snack between meals. If you still need a snack, choose healthy alternatives like nuts, protein bars or Greek yogurt.Integrate exercise into everyday life
To lose weight effectively, you should not only eat fewer calories, but also burn more. Small changes in your daily routine can make all the difference.How can you incorporate more exercise?
- Take more steps : Aim to walk 10,000 steps daily.
- Active breaks : Get up regularly in the office, stretch or go for a walk for a few minutes.
- Bicycle instead of car : Swap short car journeys for a bicycle.
- Prefer standing activities : Work standing up or move around while talking on the phone.
- Be active in your free time : Find activities like hiking, swimming or dancing that are fun and bring movement into your life.
Why is daily exercise important?
Exercise not only increases your calorie consumption, but also your general well-being and fitness. You don't have to go to the gym every day - integrate small, regular activities into your daily routine.Strength training
Many people think that endurance training is the best way to lose weight, but strength training plays an equally important role. Strength training helps you build muscle mass and thus increase your basal metabolic rate - that is, you burn more calories even when you are at rest.Why is strength training so effective?
- Increased basal metabolic rate : More muscles = higher calorie consumption, even at rest.
- Afterburn Effect (EPOC) : Your body continues to burn calories after exercise while it recovers.
- Building muscle and toning : Strength training ensures that you not only lose fat but also become more toned.