Nutrition for Energy

In order to lose weight good nutrition is important it helps optimize the body's energy system to work efficiently so exercise can be more effective. When people try to lose weight many reduce their food intake dramatically, eventually the nutritional status becomes low. As the body burns fat or carbohydrates the cells require essential nutrients to complete the chemical process. An imbalance in the nutritional state very often affects energy levels, the result is we may feel low and drained of energy!

Obviously the muscles don't become paralyzed from deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals but an imbalance can affect us in different ways. Have you ever had that feeling where you want to get up and exercise to lose weight but your body just don't seem to want to know? If you do manage to drag yourself up but within five minutes do you feel drained or even faint?

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Many of the B vitamins are required for the process of energy metabolism. If a reduced calorie diet does not provide enough B vitamins the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates may be affected and result in a feeling of lethargy.

Vitamin C not only helps fight resistance to infections it also helps repair and maintain muscle tissue and blood vessels. Stronger lean body tissue is essential in order to exercise long enough to burn sufficient calories for permanent weight loss.

Sufficient quality protein is also necessary to limit loss of lean body tissue when losing weight. The less lean tissue loss the less a reduction in the basal metabolic rate.

Proper nutrition means providing all the components - protein, carbohydrate, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. The body can last for a long time on a calorie reduced diet but requires a regular supply of essential nutrients to help the body use that stored energy - body fat!

Its not necessary to buy tons of vitamin and mineral pills just to ensure you obtain all essential nutrients. Taking one multi-vitamin pill each day should be plenty to help keep up energy levels so you can exercise effectively.

Weight Loss Exercise and Calories Burned

I speak with many dieters each and every week, and to me it seems that a large majority of these people want to lose weight with little or no exercise. They often ask me about specific foods or dieting as though eating certain foods or a specific diet will magically transform them from being overweight into a superslim, fit individual.

What I often say to people is just a little bit of exercise every other day can really help burn calories. I mean what's half an hour each day to do light activity like walk to the shops or take the dog for a walk. Take a look at these stats:

Half-hour bike riding burns approximately 300 calories - That is equal to a small hamburger

Half-hour Dusting/ housework can burn up to 200 calories - That is equal to some large chocolate bars.

Half-hour walking the dog can burn up to 250 calories - That is equal to 2 small bags of potato chips (crisps UK)

Half-hour painting can burn up to 157 calories - That is equal to 2 small slices of cheese and tomato pizza.

It just shows any type of activity even for a few minutes is well worth attempting each day. Not only will any activity keep you burning calories but also can help take your mind off the thought of snacking!

For more ideas and info for losing weight visit our main site!

Weight Loss Tips & Tricks

Try to develop a constant and rhythmic style when exercising, this helps keep the body in the last "gear" of our energy system and burns a greater percentage of fat!

Avoid finger foods that are easy to eat in large amounts.

Always eat at the table, never in front of the TV set or with the radio on.

Breathe a little deeper when exercising. Exhale slightly faster than inhaling to keep good supply of oxygen for fat burning.

Eat a light carbohydrate snack 30 minutes before a meal it will fill you up quicker so you eat less.

When exercising you should be able to hold a conversation with your training partner, if not, you may be exercising out of the fat-burning range.

Don't shop when you're hungry. You'll probably end up buying more fattening food.

For more exercise tips and general weight loss advice and help visit our Weight Loss Site