Let’s face it, every individual is beautiful in their unique way and deserves love and respect, irrespective of their body shape and size. In other words, a person’s physical appearance, precisely body composition, doesn’t determine their worth. However, shedding some pounds and getting a leaner body is what we all strive for in the present times. After all, who doesn’t want to look and feel best, right?
Do you reside in Austin, Texas? You must know that the obesity rate has been skyrocketing since the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC estimates that approximately 36% of adults in Texas were obese in 2020. Moreover, coming in number 54, Austin secures its place as the sixth most overweight metropolitan area in Texas. While many factors contribute to obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and insufficient sleep are among the leading causes. Due to these factors, many of us give up the goal of getting leaner and fitter. But be mindful that losing weight and gaining muscles is a challenging task that won’t happen overnight.
With that said, are you looking for foolproof ways to get rid of body fat and achieve a toned physique? Then, you have come to the right place. Below, we’ll share effective and healthy ways to lose fat and get a toned body:
Go For Aesthetic Treatments
Have you been incorporating a healthy diet and physical activity into your daily routine for years but are still struggling with stubborn fat or loose skin in your abdominal area? Are you among the Austin populace on the brink of obesity or other weight management issues? No worries. An aesthetic treatment like a tummy tuck can help you achieve a more defined midsection and enhance the overall contour of your body. Since there’s a wide range of renowned surgeons offering services for a tummy tuck in Austin, you don’t have to worry about conducting extensive research before opting for one.
According to a report, surgeons performed around 97,988 tummy tuck procedures in 2020. A tummy tuck, sometimes called abdominoplasty, is among the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures many in Austin opt for. In this procedure, surgeons remove excess fat or skin from the abdomen for a more toned appearance. Most often, people who go for this cosmetic surgical procedure are postpartum women, individuals who have lost significant weight, or aging individuals.
So, whatever your needs and goals are, it’s better to discuss them beforehand with the professionals. They can help you understand how the procedure enables you to achieve your aesthetic goals and will answer any questions you may have.
Keep An Eye on Your Drinks
Most drinks, such as sodas and other highly sweetened juices, add sugar and calories to your diet. And for someone who is trying hard to shed pounds, reducing the caloric intake is the key. Therefore, reduce calories; for instance, avoid drinking lemonade and sweetened beverages.
While these drinks may taste great, they don’t provide much nutrition to your body. In addition, the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages inordinately increases visceral abdominal fat – a fat that isn’t beneficial for your health.
Moreover, ensure to cut down on alcohol during your journey of losing weight. While you may drink alcohol to unwind or enjoy a great time, excessive intake can undermine your weight loss goals. Lastly, don’t forget to drink an adequate amount of water every day. Keeping your body hydrated prevents muscle breakdown and helps in body toning.
Consume A Healthier Diet
While watching what you drink is essential, eating a well-balanced diet is equally important for weight loss. Include all types of food to strengthen your muscles and keep the body toned. For example, eat lean proteins, such as turkey, tuna, and chicken, and plant-based proteins, such as lentils and white beans, to increase fiber.
Eating antioxidant-rich and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits is also crucial for toned physique. Choose avocado, broccoli, berries, and sweet potatoes to support muscle growth. In addition, include whole grains, like cereals and grain bread, in your diet since they provide energy and nourish your skin.
Also, eating snacks between meals can prevent overeating. That’s because snacking helps keep sugar levels in check and regulates your appetite hormones. However, which snack you choose to consume during meals influences your satiety. For instance, some snacks may provide the feeling of temporary fullness, while others may offer sustenance for extended periods.
Go For Strength Training
Achieve those curves you have been dreaming of for so long, and get your body toned by starting a strength training routine. Strength-training exercises target all the main muscle groups of your body, including legs, hips, shoulders, arms, belly, chest, and back.
Various strength-training exercises help you tone up. For example, start with one of the best ones – squats. Make it challenging by using dumbbells or barbells. Squats help improve your muscle growth as they work with various muscles, including glutes, quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, etc.
However, all your effort will go down the drain if you are not performing correctly. So, keep your spine straight during your entire workout session and balance your body weight equally between heels and toes. Other strength-training exercises for toning your body at home include lunges, pushups, deadlifts, chin-ups, etc.
Take Part in Cardio Exercises
Another best course of action to shed pounds and add muscles is participating in cardiovascular workouts. Cardio exercises offer numerous benefits, such as enhancing cardiovascular endurance and strengthening lower, core, and upper body muscles. They also increase metabolism levels and help you burn calories more efficiently during the workout.
Fortunately, you have several choices in cardio exercises. For example, you can incorporate different easy cardio sessions into your daily routine, such as cycling, walking for ten minutes, or jogging for twenty minutes.
However, if you wish to accelerate your fat reduction and tone muscles, add High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to your cardio regimen. In this, you will perform intense exercises for short periods, like a minute, then slow down your pace to get your heart rate back to normal, and then again, perform high-intensity activity. A good example of HIIT is power walking.
Conclusion
There is no denying that losing weight and attaining a toned body comes with a price. However, the only cost here is your effort, not the dollars you worked so hard to earn.
It is relevant to note that until this point, there is one fundamental principle regarding losing weight and toning the body. No, it’s not spending all day and night at a gym, so stop worrying. Instead, it is finding a perfect balance between consuming a healthy diet and following the proper workout regimen.
However, all your effort will go down the drain if you aren’t disciplined or lack motivation.