Let’s face it – you’re probably sitting around, reading this article thinking “there’s absolutely no way that any of this is actually going to apply to me. I’m just a tired, overweight guy who has an affinity for potato chips and no self respect.” If that’s the case, then you may be right. But, on the other hand, if you’re like many men who really are trying to get it together and simply haven’t figured out how, maybe we can help!
First things first – if you’re looking for the miracle solution to your fat problems, then you’re also probably looking for something that’s quick. Who’s ever heard of slow miracles, after all? Although there’s no rapidfire solution for getting ripped and dropping your body fat levels into single digits, the 10 techniques outlined here are simple enough to get you started on the right path. Good luck (and don’t screw this up)!
Tip #1 : Sleep More
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can significantly alter your body’s mojo, namely the balance of hormones in your system that regulate your metabolism. The less you sleep, the more likely you will be to gain weight quickly. If you can add an hour or so of sleep to your day and get to bed at regular intervals, you will notice a huge change.
Tip #2 : Step Away From Your Work
Sure, it feels good to make the big bucks, right? Those 20 hour workdays…no sweat, yeah? Prolonged stress from occupational demands, however, can dramatically affect your metabolism and cause you to balloon outwards. Granted, your wallet might be ballooning as well, but is it really worth it? Find a few minutes everyday to step outside and take a walk. Your body will thank you.
Tip #3 : Drink Less Beer
A massive amount of carbs find their way into every man’s favorite beverage. If you’re a marathon runner, this won’t be a problem. If you’re a slouch (like most of us are), this can transform into unwanted fat.
Tip #4 : Cook More
Chinese takeout is wonderful, but yes, it’s slowly killing you. As a general rule of thumb, the food you make at home is probably infinitely more healthy than the fast food you buy on the way home from work. Find time to cook, and you’ll notice yourself start trimming down.
Tip #5 : Be Careful With Juice
We’ve long been told that fruit juice is an excellent addition to our diet, but, in fact, many fruit juice products contain obscene amounts of sugars, not all of which are natural. Because of this, you may find that your juice beverage is, in terms of sugar content, no different than a soft drink, both of which may lead you to weight gain.
Tip #6 : Be Careful With Meat
Although it’s common knowledge that red meat should be consumed in moderation, it’s also especially important that the red meat you do eat is low in fat content. Try to avoid red meat in the grocery store that has above 10% fat. While it won’t be too damaging on a case-by-case basis, it’s important to establish healthy meat habits as soon as possible.
Tip #7 : Processed Sugars and Refined Foods Are Your Worst Enemy
The body, in its infinite wisdom, still has yet to fully decode and understand how to digest all of the foods we eat. Many of the refined sugars we find in the grocery stores, such as those found in candy bars and soft drinks, are much more harmful to the body than natural sugars. Because of this, we highly recommend that you avoid purchasing your favorite junk food and find new, natural snacks. Believe it or not, you might enjoy them even more!
Tip #8 : Find 15 Minutes of “Activity Time” Each Day
Even if you don’t have ambitions to be a professional athlete, it’s foolish to ignore the health benefits that can from a simple stroll around the block every day. Not only will this ensure that you keep your heart in great shape (doctors say that 15 minutes of activity a day can produce amazing results), but it will also provide you with time outside of work and social pressure where you can decompress and unwind. A healthy state of mind is essential for maintaining a healthy body.
Tip #9 : Stay Social
Believe it or not, your social calendar may influence your health! Individuals who regularly participate in social functions with friends or potential romantic partners are more likely to watch their weight and maintain their physique. This can also help ensure that you are able to show off your physique to people who might end up offering you more than just a casual greeting, if you catch our drift…
Tip #10 : Make A Plan
No one ever trimmed up and turned into the pinnacle of health without a plan. Before you start cutting foods and working yourself to death, write down a strategy for how you plan to burn the fat. You won’t believe how effective this really is.
As you can see, burning unwanted fat is definitely doable. That being said, you need to be prepared to stick with it, even if you see your first results quickly! Believe us when we say that the reward is definitely worth the effort!
For more information on getting and staying lean, and on maintaining a healthy diet check out this e-book from Rob Miller of SupplementCritique.com