Walking To Lose Weight

Human beings share three universal goals: to live longer, to
live free of illness and to control our weight. Interestingly
enough, normal walking lets us achieve all three goals.

In fact, walking is probably the best medicine for slowing the
aging process. First, it works almost every muscle in the body,
improves circulation to the joints and massages the blood
vessels (keeping them more elastic). Walking helps to
maintain both our muscle mass and metabolism as we age. It also
keeps us young in spirit. For anyone out of shape or not
athletically inclined, walking is the no-stress, no-sweat
answer to lifelong conditioning.

All it takes is a little time, common sense and a few
guidelines. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation
floating around regarding fitness walking, weight-loss and
dieting.

Walking is one of the best exercises for strengthening bones,
controlling weight, toning the leg muscles, maintaining good
posture and improving positive self-concept.

To lose weight, it's more important to walk for time than speed.
Walking at a moderate pace yields longer workouts with less
soreness - - leading to more miles and more calories spent on a
regular basis.

High-intensity walks on alternate days help condition one's system.
But in a walking, weight-loss program, it's better to be active
every day. This doesn't require walking an hour every day. The
key is leading an active life-style 365 days a year.

When it comes to good health and weight loss, exercise and diet
are interrelated. Exercising without maintaining a balanced diet
is no more beneficial than dieting while remaining inactive.

People who diet without exercising often gain more weight over time.
Although your weight may initially drop while dieting, such
weight loss consists mostly of water and muscle. When the
weight returns, it comes back stored as fat. To avoid gaining
over time, increase your metabolism by exercising on a daily basis.

The national research council recommends eating five or more
servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables
are the ideal diet foods for several reasons. They're relatively
low in fat and calories, yet are often high in fiber and rich in
essential vitamins and minerals.

Remember that rapid weight-loss consists mostly of water and
muscle - - the wrong kind of weight to lose. To avoid this, set
more reasonable goals, such as one pound per week.

Carbohydrates are high-octane fuel. They provide energy for
movement and help raise your body’s metabolism. They're also
satisfying. The key is not adding high-fat toppings to your
carbohydrates.

It is the everyday habits which define our weight and body composition.
A three-minute walk after each meal is worth four pounds less body
fat annually and two flights of stairs a day burns off half a pound
of body fat in a year. On the other hand, one candy bar eaten
daily will cost you 20 pounds annually and require walking an hour
every day.