Exercise and a Low Carb Diet

While a diet low in carbohydrates and calories is critical for weight loss success, exercise can be very beneficial to the process and can expedite your results. Consistent exercise helps with weight loss because it boosts your metabolism and burns calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. Exercise also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, which is very important when you’re dieting and using weight loss products.

Regular physical activity boosts our overall health, releases endorphins to improve our moods, increases muscle tone and helps prevent many chronic illnesses and diseases including cardiovascular disease and strokes. When we work out, it strengthens our heart muscle and improves blood flow, which ultimately bolsters our heart’s working capacity. In addition, exercise lowers our blood pressure and LDL “bad” cholesterol.

When an exercise program is combined with a diet low in carbohydrates, you’ll see much faster results—the key is to make sure that your physical activity is consistent. Some engage in physical activity every single day. If that is not possible for you, aim for three to four times a week in the beginning and increase that amount over time.

All types of exercise will be beneficial, from sports, exercise classes and weight lifting to cooking, gardening and other household chores. For best results, try to incorporate each of the three essential forms of exercise training into your regimen: cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Aim for 30 minutes to an hour per session, mixing it up and increasing your activity in duration and intensity as time progresses. This will enhance any weight loss products you are using and help to rev your metabolism if it gets sluggish due to a plateau in your routine.

For strength training, try a weight or resistance training program. To get your cardio fill, hit a high-intensity kickboxing or Zumba class, hit the treadmill or elliptical, or go jogging. For flexibility training, try yoga or Pilates classes. Our options are truly unlimited when it comes to different types of exercises—the key is to choose activities you like and will stick with.

image: well.blogs.nytimes.com