Best Time of Day/Night for Weight loss?

I'm sure everyone has a certain preference of specific time during the day or night in which they believe or were told their bodies would be at maximum weight loss capability, but what is the truth?

Even though most people believe they need to eat for energy before doing any sort of physical exercise, which is true your body does need energy, for weight loss there is an exception to this rule. Research has proven that the optimal weight loss time for our bodies is first thing in the morning, when you're body is still in a catabolic state, meaning having used up all the food/energy in your body during your night sleep. So skipping out on breakfast before going for a run in fact adds to your weight loss as your metabolism is at a much higher rate, your body will burn more fat.

So next time you're looking to go for a run, try first thing in the morning. However, be sure to eat a balanced meal post-exercise to keep you're energy levels high throughout the day.

How to get motivated to lose weight

So many people are thinking more about their diets, fitness and health topics these days but that is as far as they can go because it takes more than just wanting to lose weight to lose weight. It is one thing to desire to shed pounds and it's another to be ready to take the extra step of implementing a fitness program. The average person with a cellulite laden abdomen has an idea of what he needs to do to lose weight, but lacks the full knowledge and motivation. They are unable to summon the courage to create and follow a fitness plan.

The cost of fitness will be the willingness to forgo a lot of bad habits like that of compulsive love for ice creams, chocolates, cakes, and beer. How do you find the motivation to lose weight? Only you can do that for yourself. No one can help you make up your mind to lose weight. People can only help you with ideas and contributions. Until you accept that your size reduces you life span and self esteem, you will never be ready to lose weight. Maybe a visit to your physician or fitness consultant may highlight all the dangers the fat clogging your blood vessels can cause, it will still take your saying ‘I don’t want to die young. I Want to lose this weight and stay healthy’.

‘I want to achieve a level of fitness so that for the first time in my life, be able to look in the mirror and feel pleased with what I see there. I know it is going to require a lot of discipline and sacrifice from me but I am ready to do anything that will keep me healthy’.

So to encourage yourself you need to set goals. Set deadlines and then reward yourself if you achieve the target. You can set a goal to drop 50 pounds in 5 months. Then you can set 5 different deadlines and your real target should be to lose 10 pounds every month. This kind of program will help motivate you to stay focused. If you exceed your target, reward your self. It's okay to have a cheat meal once a week, this is only to keep from binge eating when life gets too much for you. However, any more than that and you will ruin your diet.

If you fall short of your target, do not reward yourself. If possible, accept punishment by denying yourself of something you like very much.

These tips are enough to motivate anyone who really wishes to lose weight and kick start the process. If you combine the above methods, you can be sure you’ll stay highly motivated to exercise and diet which in turn will equal weight loss.

Top 10 Biggest Weightloss Mistakes

Everyone struggles with weight-loss issues whether young or old and although many of us think we know how to properly lose weight, what we don't know is what mistakes we make when attempting to lose those extra pounds. So here are the top 10 biggest weight-loss mistakes most people make whether it be dieting, exercising or just attitude in general.

1) Zero Fat Diet

This is one of the most common errors of dieting, stripping all fat from your diet. Simply put, eating fat does not make you fat. However, fat is generally high in calories so intake should be limited but healthy fats such as those found in fish oils etc. are essential for the body. These help to break down cholesterol and keep arteries clear.

2) Too Much/Too Little Protein

Protein is essential in any dieter's arsenal, however many of us don't know the exact amount we should be getting. Diminishing protein intake can lead to energy and muscle loss, as well as having negative health effects. The human body can utilize anywhere from 30g-50g of protein at one time so spacing out meals and using the recommended daily amount of protein will optimize your weight loss diet. This should be around 1g of protein per pound of body weight. Too little protein and you're body will suffer, too much protein and it will all turn into fat stores.

3) Snacking

Snacking too much is just as bad as eating bigger meals. So try to cut down on snacking if possible and if you must, choose healthy alternatives such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, etc.

4) Attitude

Another common weight loss mistake is having the wrong attitude. Losing weight simply does not consist of removing a few key foods from you're diet, but rather consists of a whole life style change. It has to be a life-changing action or else what's to stop you from getting back on the junk food or fat band wagon slapping on those pounds again?

5) Fast Food vs. Fresh Food

Fast food is cheaper and quicker to make than buying fresh food and putting it together yourself. However, the benefits speak for themselves. If you can afford to buy fresh produce and meat week in and week out, that's great and it'll go a long way in helping out. However, if finances are tights try cutting down and stop buying fast food and junk food and replacing it with fresh fruit or produce.

6) Drinking Will Not Effect My Weight Loss

We all know it, but few of us can resist alcohol when the occasion arises. Alcoholic beverages are packed full of calories. Cut down on drinking quantity and frequency as well as choosing less caloric beverages to stop gaining weight.

7) Water Intake

Water is used by the body for everything, it's essential to stay hydrated and flush your body of toxins for optimal health. Many people mistake being thirsty for hunger, so be sure to drink 2L or 8 cups of water daily.

8) Eating "All Healthy"

This common misconception is that if you want weight loss, you have to sacrifice and consume only healthy foods. Yes, this is true and will lead you to a path of weight loss, however you don't have to stop enjoying you're favorite foods. Start using "cheat meals" so once a week go down to your favorite fast food joint or grocery store to pick up some junk food and for that one meal, allow yourself to enjoy it. Moderation is key here, this will help keep you motivated and keep you from binge eating when the temptation gets too great.

9) Exercise

Diets and exercise go hand in hand, so you have to do both to achieve ultimate weight loss. Exercise doesn't have to be torture, start out small and work you're way up.

10) Setting Unrealistic Goals

Start by setting small, achievable goals which you can gauge your progress from and help to keep motivated. Accomplishing smaller, more realistic goals is easier and hey, we're only human so do your best!

Never give up, always do your best and soon enough you'll be shedding the pounds!