Effective Weight-loss

When we are active, we should adhere to the principles of the Eatwell Guide by eating a healthy, varied diet

Physical activity uses more energy (calories). You may find you need more food to compensate for the extra energy you use if you do not intend to lose weight. Maintaining good hydration is also important.

There are many benefits to eating well for physical activity and sport, including:

Sports or activities that allow you to perform well;
Preventing injuries and illnesses;
Recovery after exercise or a training program is essential.

Losing weight requires physical activity

By engaging in physical activity, you increase your energy expenditure (calories used), since you use more energy for breathing, heart rate, and metabolism while exercising.

Losing weight is not simply a matter of getting more active and calorie intake still has a significant impact on losing weight. Controlled diets and physical activity are key to successful weight loss programs. Maintaining weight loss requires staying active as well. People in the US who maintain their weight loss tend to spend less time doing sedentary activities such as watching TV in their free time and spend about an hour a day being active (usually walking).

In addition to burning calories, physical activity can help preserve muscle tissue and increase body composition and muscle size as you lose fat. As a result of physical activity and spending less time sitting, you are less likely to develop chronic diseases.

Try not to consume too many sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas and milkshakes, since research suggests that liquid calories are not nearly as satisfying as solid calories. 

Information reviewed by Sarah Siddique ACE Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer