Exercising with a Health Diet

A part of any healthy diet plan should include exercise. Eating healthy to lose weight is only one important component. You can lose some weight following a healthy diet without exercise but you run the risk of losing muscle mass unless you exercise.

When dieting correctly, our bodies begin to break down stored fats and use these for energy. But if you fail to exercise your body also starts to lose muscle mass, too. The reason it is important to exercise is to retain existing muscle mass and only lose the fat. More extensive exercise programs can help you to build muscle mass if you stick with the plan.

Most people have busy schedules and can find it difficult to squeeze in time to exercise. There are a number of simple exercises you can do without having to spend much time that will help you lose weight while on a healthy diet plan. The most basic form of exercise you can do is to walk for about twenty minutes three times a week. You can use part of your lunch hour each week to fit this in easily.

If you are tied to a desk job, you can do leg flexes under your desk while working to stretch the muscles and improve circulation to the legs. You should also make sure to get up out of your chair every hour and stretch you arms, back and neck. This prevents muscles from becoming tense.

If you are a stay-at-home parent, there are many chores that you do each day that can be considered exercise. Vacuuming, dusting and thoroughly cleaning the bathrooms are good examples. If you live in a home with stairs, walking up and down the stairs for about fifteen minutes, three times a week is the equivalent to walking.

If you lack motivation to exercise on a regular basis you might want to consider joining a health club instead. Oftentimes these facilities have free programs available that you can find support from other people trying to lose weight. These facilities may also have personal trainers available to help you stay motivated.