Walking & Weight Loss

Three universal goals most of us share are: to live longer, to live free of
illness and to control our weight. Interesting enough, normal walking lets
us achieve all three. In fact, walking may be man's best medicine for
slowing the aging process. First, it works almost every muscle in the body,
improving circulation to the joints and massaging the blood vessels (keeping
them more elastic). Walking also helps us maintain both our muscle mass and
metabolism as we age. It also keeps us young in spirit. For anyone out of
shape or unathletically inclined, walking is the no-stress, no-sweat answer
to lifelong conditioning. All it takes is a little time, common sense and a
few guidelines. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation floating
around regarding fitness walking, weight-loss and dieting. Walking is one of
the best exercise for strengthening bones, controlling weight, toning the
leg muscles, maintaining good posture and improving positive self-concept.



People who diet without exercising often get fatter with time. Although your
weight may initially drop while dieting, such weight loss consists mostly of
water and muscle. When the weight returns, it comes back as fat. To avoid
getting fatter over time, increase your metabolism by exercising daily. To
lose weight, it's more important to walk for time than speed. Walking at a
moderate pace yields longer workouts with less soreness - - leading to more
miles and more calories spent on a regular basis. High-intensity walks on
alternate days help condition one's system. But in a walking, weight-loss
program, it's better to be active every day. This doesn't require walking an
hour every day. The key is leading an active life-style 365 days a year.
When it comes to good health and weight loss, exercise and diet are
interrelated. Exercising without maintaining a balanced diet is no more
beneficial than dieting while remaining inactive.



The national research council recommends eating five or more servings of
fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables are the ideal diet foods
for several reasons. They're relatively low in fat and calories, yet are
often high in fiber and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.



Remember that rapid weight-loss consists mostly of water and muscle - - the
wrong kind of weight to lose. To avoid this, set more reasonable goals, such
as one pound per week. Carbohydrates are high-octane fuel. They provide
energy for movement and help raise internal body metabolism. They're also
satisfying. The key is not adding high-fat toppings to your carbohydrates.
It's everyday habits which define our weight and body composition. A
three-minute walk after each meal is worth four pounds less body fat
annually. Two flights of stairs a day burns off half a pound of body fat in
a year. On the other hand, one candy bar eaten daily will cost you 20 pounds
annually require walking an hour every day.



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For more information on dietary products that enhances your health go to

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These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent

any disease, but rather are dietary supplements intended solely for

nutritional support. Individual results may vary.

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