Simply stated, your metabolism is the way your body burns up all of the
calories from the food that you eat and regulates energy. The speed at which
your body burns up calories is called your metabolic rate. The faster your
metabolism, the more calories you'll burn, and the less likely that you'll be
overweight. “A small percentage of people naturally have a better metabolism
than others, but for the most part, an individual’s metabolism is determined by
their lifestyle”, says Zwiefel. So what can you do to place yourself in a better
position to manage your weight?
Diet represents one of the primary ways to shed those unwanted pounds and
keep them off. Although it might sound easy on paper to simply put less food in
your mouth, the reality is that reducing calorie intake is a significant problem
for most of us. It is more complex than just calories in and calories out.
Factors such as stress and diet will dramatically impact how our bodies process
the calories we consume. That’s why Life Time Fitness recommends you not only
change what you eat, but your eating and lifestyle habits.
Instead of eating three meals a day --- breakfast, lunch and dinner --- eat
five nutritionally balanced meals and two snacks per day. Spreading your food
intake over the day is the best way keep your energy levels up and to burn
calories for energy versus storing them.
You should also reduce the consumption of simple and refined carbohydrates
that offer little nutritional value. Concentrate on eating foods that are high
in fiber to reduce appetite and help reduce the risk of cancer. Look for good
sources of protein throughout the day such as lean meats, fish, eggs, low fat
dairy products, beans and nuts. Complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread,
wild rice, whole-wheat pasta, multigrain cereal and potatoes are great ways to
boost your energy level throughout the day. Eat 4-5 servings of fruits and
vegetables; take a multivitamin with antioxidants each day to ensure you are
getting the nutrients your body requires throughout the day.
Because our busy lifestyles can interfere with upholding the ideal dietary
plan, proper supplementation can help fill in the gaps. However, there are
dozens of supplements on the market today offering big promises. How do you know
which brand is best for you?
“If a product promises, ‘effortless,’ weight loss, it doesn’t have your
long-term health and wellness in mind,” says Dr. Bill Wheeler, Ph.D. and R.D., a
former staff nutritionist to the President of the United States and independent
consultant for Life Time Fitness. “Supplements need to be worked into your
overall plan.”
Life Time Fitness’ LeanSource weight loss supplement is a patent-pending
blend of four active ingredients shown in recent studies to help naturally speed
up metabolism, burn body fat, and curb sugar cravings without the use of harmful
stimulants. Unlike many other supplements on the market today that hype
unbelievable before and after testimonials, LeanSource is based on real science
and a proven safe and effective formulation. All Life Time Fitness nutritional
products are regularly tested in independent lab settings to assure consumers
they really contain what’s on the label.
Now available at Target, RiteAid, Kroeger, Kmart and Meijer stores, as well
as Life Time Fitness locations nationwide and via www.lifetimefitness.com,
LeanSource products are conveniently available in a gel cap form, bars, and
ready-to-drink shakes in multiple flavors.
Good diet and the use of beneficial supplements are just part of the
equation. Regular and balanced exercise is also a critical part of the process.
“Just going to the gym once in a while isn’t going to cut it. You need to make a
commitment, and stick with it,” says Zweifel.
Life Time Fitness recommends that people who are serious about shedding the
pounds and keeping them off participate in aerobic training exercise regimens a
minimum of three times per week for at least 30 minutes at a time. Aerobic
exercises include brisk walking, biking, jogging, swimming, aerobic classes and
dancing. Dieters are also urged to take part in resistance training exercises,
such as weight lifting, at least twice a week for a minimum of 30 minutes per
session.
For more information about weight loss and exercise programs offered through
Life Time Fitness, visit www.lifetimefitness.com.
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SIDEBAR
Life Time Fitness LEAN Way
Life Time Fitness has created the LEAN Way four-step program that has worked
for people from all walks of life.
1. Learn – View the LeanSource Speed Up Your Metabolism video/DVD program
once per week for two weeks to learn how your body responds to nutrition and
exercise. Life Time Fitness provides this free, 90-minute program with any
purchase of LeanSource weight loss supplement – a $20 value.
2. Exercise – Consistently engage in 20 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular
exercise and 20 to 25 minutes of resistance training four times per week.
3. Accelerate - Take two LeanSource Thermogenic Supplements in the morning
and two in the afternoon to lose weight two times faster than just with diet and
exercise alone.
4. Nourish - Eat five nutritionally balanced meals and two healthy snacks
each day and replace meals with a LeanSource Meal Solution shake or LeanSource
weight loss bars when a prepared meal is not available.
