By Efren Martinez
Staying Focused for a Healthy Weight
My weight loss journey started in 2004, back then I weighed a great deal. To cut through the “fat” so to say, here’s the “skinny” of what worked for me. I learned early on that losing weight had more to do with what I ate and when I ate it versus exercising ‘till I dropped to the floor. It was a long learning process on nutrition as well as foods to generate a faster metabolic rate to improve burning calories. It’s important to stay focused.
So let’s talk about fasting. Fasting for 12 hours after your last meal switches your body to basically start burning fat instead of glucose. This is how I lost so much weight. This method is also known today as the 12-hour fast. Eat whatever you want during your nutritional time in the day but have a cut-off time for food and don’t eat for 12 hours. For myself I went two steps further. I would start my daily nutrition in the morning around 8am and not have anything to eat after 6pm. I ate nothing but clean natural foods and drank nothing but water. It was a very strict plan and not for everyone, but the weight fell off 5 times faster than today’s 12-hour weight loss method so many are trying. It really does work. I’d recommend possibly trying the 12-hour fasting method and incorporate eating as healthy as you can while doing so. No processed foods, sugary drinks and avoid alcohol. I also mixed a teaspoon of cinnamon and honey in my morning coffee. This over time helped me speed up my metabolic rate to lose more weight. Of course, include exercising however you want and can. Just get moving.
Get your heart rate up enough to make a difference in your routine. Please remember, 70-80% of losing weight is nutrition and knowing what to eat and when. So don’t overdo it. I’ve chosen to feature my weight loss journey and experience since many by now may have fallen off that New Year’s fitness resolution. I’m also noticing that a few out there are using the new weight loss medications that can cost upwards of $1,000 per month.
Friends the cost as well as the possible side effects from these medications may not be worth it. After you stop taking the medication the weight may come back if you haven’t changed your eating habits. Plus, for many of us, spending $1,000 each month for this weight loss medication may not be affordable.
Who knows this natural way may work for you too. It may be the best option over time and is the most affordable. No matter what you do remember, keeping your weight down and living a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong commitment to taking care of yourself. You are definitely worth it!
Please, always consult with your doctor before starting any kind of weight loss, fasting and/or exercise program and the common sense natural way is usually the best.
