We’re told all the time about the best way to lose weight and get into shape. Well today, we let you know three things that you don’t have to do to achieve your ideal body.
1. You don’t have to be a gym junkie
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to kill yourself with exercise to attain a fit body. It’s recommended that Australian adults aged 18-64 years and above do a combination of cardio and strength training exercise, both moderate and vigorous, each day. You can have a look at the Government’s recommendations of how much exercise is enough. So what exercise is best? Whatever you like, whether that’s walking, playing tennis or practising yoga. The best exercise is exercise with which you can stick. Physical activity is crucial to staying fit and healthy but when it comes to weight loss, it turns out that diet that plays the biggest role.
2. You don’t need to follow a diet
Fad diets are everywhere. Diets that tell you to cut carbs, increase protein and have fast days and juice cleanses. There’s always a health ‘professional’ or chef releasing a new book promising to help you drop weight. The truth is the best diet is the one that works for you. The body needs a combination of carbohydrates, fat and protein to stay healthy and trim. It’s no good denying your body any particular foods. Sure, it may help to drop weight for a short while but if you can’t live long-term without carbs, it’s no use trying. So what works? Research consistently points to a well-rounded diet of wholefoods as being the best way to maintain a healthy weight.
3. You don’t have to have an ideal body
This is perhaps the hardest lesson we must all learn. Reshaping our attention away from improving our body to improving our health is what we should work towards. At the end of the day, your diet and exercise plan should be one that keeps you healthy (and happy). You might prefer the way your body looks a few kilos lighter but if you always have to watch what you eat or exercise all the time, is it really worth it? Learning to accept and appreciate your body for being healthy – instead of a certain shape – is what it means to have the ideal body.
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Why dieting and ageing don’t mix
Trick yourself into eating less
Can you have a diet cheat day?
