Exercise Tips That Drive Weight Loss and Burn Fat
The body is an amazingly efficient metabolic machine which stores excess caloric energy for use in times of famine. Unfortunately our genetically programmed survival mechanism leads to failure for the majority of people trying to lose weight. Information published in the American College of Sports Medicine provides encouragement to those who use exercise as a catalyst to drop excess weight.
Professional athletes load up on fast burning carbs before they train, as this provides the necessary energy they need to perform at a competitive level. Research indicates that people who don’t eat before exercising burned significantly more body fat, and for a longer period of time than those who ate prior to exercise. Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy, and when carbs are not readily available, fat is burned instead.
This information is important for individuals interested in sustainable weight loss. Many people believe they need to eat prior to exercise, as this provides fuel for training. In effect they’re simply burning the calories just eaten, and never turn up their fat burning metabolism, unless they exercise intensely or for an extended period. Research sheds an important light on the proper steps to follow to maximize the weight loss effect from each exercise session.
Tip 1: Carb Fast Prior to Exercise to Burn Fat
Fat burning in the body shifts into high gear when energy from a recent meal is limited and you begin to exercise. The body must find an energy source and shifts to your fat reserves. Eating a meal high in carbohydrates will cause your body to focus on burning existing calories, and a full stomach actually encourages fat storage, even during exercise.
Carb fasting before exercise will provide weight loss results for many people, but it’s important to note that is may not be for everyone, especially those individuals with poorly controlled blood sugar or diabetes. If fasting of any type is not an option, eating 3 or 4 smaller meals per day will work better to control blood sugar spikes. Avoid processed carbohydrates or any type of food which breaks down to glucose quickly, including fruits, sweetened beverages and juices.
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