Summertime is all about fitness
It’s that time of year again; the time that ladies confident enough don their bikinis and head to the beach.
But what if you’re one of the many who only dream of having that perfect beach bod?
Everyone knows the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, but writers at SELF magazine would like you to know that you don’t have to make major changes at once. The little things matter, they say.
Here are some of the things they learned while working with women who already have that ‘perfect’ shape without even so much as breaking a sweat.
Trade your coffee for tea
Coffee is a great way to wake up your senses in the morning but research has shown that tea has more catechins, a special type of antioxidant that aids in a speedier metabolism. So there is definitely a reason skinny girls prefer teabags over a cup o’ joe. Research has shown that white and green tea has the most catechins.
Get out of bed, straight onto that treadmill
If you’re the type who likes to work out in the afternoon or after work, the editors at SELF say that you should move your schedule to first thing in the morning. On an empty stomach.
There is a scientific explanation to it, however. Studies have shown that working out early in the morning and on empty stomach “improves glucose tolerance, which spurs your body to shed fat” faster.
Feel lethargic in the morning? No worries, sleep in your workout clothes (minus the trainers, naturally) so you won’t have any excuses. Just get up and go!
Eat slowly, with intent
Apart from the fact that fit girls enjoy eating a healthy breakfast, they are also known to eat slowly, savoring every bite. The trick is to make your brain think like it’s already full, says the study conducted by the Journal of Psychology. Savoring every bite, they say, creates more fullness hormones.
In line with this, it is also important to not skip meals. Snacking throughout the day is allowed as long as you don’t abuse that concession and binge.
Eat at a pre-determined time, all the time
With the fast pace of life nowadays, it becomes increasingly difficult to create a routine. But experts, backed by scientific evidence, agree that meals should be eaten at a certain time everyday.
The Salk Institute of Biological Studies experimented on mice and found that mice fed at the same time everyday tended to burn more sugar and fat, without even trying. The mice also fasted for about 12 hours every evening. So maybe the proponents of the 6 o’clock diet are onto something.
'Water' yourself
Particularly before your meals. It’s no secret that water is filling (why else would they use it as a torture device?) but drinking at least 2 cups before every meal keeps the calories in check. Those who did shed pounds faster than the naysayers.
Weigh yourself
Some personal trainers tell their clients that it’s okay to not use the weighing scale. They suggest checking the way your clothes fit instead or your over-all personal intuition.
But they are now saying that those numbers can actually motivate you to lose the weight. Weigh yourself at the same time during the day at least once a week and they guarantee you’ll lose the pounds much faster. - Article Courtesy of Manila Bulletin
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