What is the best way to lose weight fast? Does the best way to lose weight fast even exist? Well, if you know how to lose weight fast, you probably already well aware of the best way to lose weight fast. On the other hand, if you have to ask about the best way to lose weight fast, there is a pretty good chance that we need to go over a number of diet and workout facts and fictions.
Why? Because before you can figure out the best way to lose weight fast, you have to know what is true – and what is not – in the world of dieting and exercise. For example, what is the best workout to lose weight? A lot of people seem to think that the best workout to lose weight is an exercise program that puts a lot of stress on your body, but the opposite is actually true. What is the best nitric oxide supplement? It is simple, it does not exist.
And when it comes to dieing, there is a fair share of myths as well. For example, the food combining diet is in vogue these days, but it cannot help you lose weight. Eating healthy salads and a variety of high-fiber foods, on the other hand, can help you lose weight. Should you do cardio before lifting weights? Should you eat a banana before working out? In my opinion, if you do not have the answers to these and other questions related to dieting and exercise, you are not going to find the best way to lose weight fast, so let’s review:
Fiction: You should do your cardio routine before weight training. Cardio before weight training fatigues the muscles, depleting your glycogen (a.k.a. energy) stores. It is safer to lift weights when you have a full tank of gas in the muscles.
Fact: Most sports energy drinks do not really work. Water is the best bet for staying hydrated. Drinking a sports energy drink is not much different from a can of soda. Most contain a lot of added sugar, which can initially give a burst of energy but will subsequently cause an energy crash. And the sugar will probably outweigh any benefits from added electrolytes.
Fiction: You need to eat protein before hitting the gym. Protein helps muscles rebuild and recover, so it is better to consume protein after the gym. Before a workout, eat very little protein and some carbs.
Fact: Circuit training burns more calories than regular weight training. Bursts of high and low intensity keep your body guessing, which could help you burn more calories.
Fiction: It is not necessary to stretch after a workout. Especially as you get older, a cool-down and stretch are very important for your body. Stretching helps prevent soreness and it could help your muscles a bit longer and leaner, not bulky.
Fact: Drinking coffee before working out revs up the metabolism. Coffee can give your metabolic rate a short-term increase. Just be sure to avoid cream and sugar, which could cause you to take in more calories than you are about to burn.
Fact: It is best to switch up your routine every few weeks. Getting stuck in a rut is never fun – and it could prevent you from reaping the benefits of a workout. It is a good idea to change your exercise program every three weeks. To prevent your body from becoming complacent, in addition to changing your exercise program, also change your exercise timing every two weeks. [via]