Alisa AngFor many Singaporeans learning how to lose weight fast, one question always comes up for them: should they focus on their diet or exercise more frequently? In truth, both methods are important in our weight loss journey for different reasons.
Let’s break down the different ways they help us, the pros and cons of choosing only one option, and why a balance may be the right solution for you.
What are the Pros of Dieting for Weight Loss?
- It’s often easier to cut out calories through your diet than it is to burn calories through exercise.
- This is an appealing choice for people who want to know how to lose weight fast and don’t have the time to work out.
- Dietary changes alone can deliver visible results in just a few weeks if you do it correctly.
Drawbacks of Relying on Dieting Alone
- Losing weight only through this method can make you lose both fat and muscle. If you have poor muscle mass, it can slow down your metabolism over time.
- Strict meal plans can feel too restrictive and lead to burnout if you follow it for too long. You may eventually give in to your cravings and binge.
- You might end up with nutritional deficiencies if you plan your diet poorly.
How Exercising Enhances Your Weight Loss Journey
- Being physically active uses up more calories since you need energy to keep moving.
- Cardio exercises like jogging and cycling can speed up your metabolism.
- If you do strength training routines like weightlifting or callisthenics, you can increase your muscle mass. Muscles will burn more calories even when idle.
- Exercising can also improve your mood, which helps you stay on track with your goals and reduces your chances of emotional eating.
Disadvantages of Only Doing Exercises
- If you don’t control how much you eat, you can still gain weight no matter how long or how often you exercise.
- You’ll need to make sure you have enough time in your day for intensive workouts if you want to burn a lot of calories.
- As your body adapts to your exercises, it will burn fewer calories over time. You’ll have to gradually increase the intensity.
Why A Balance May Work Best
A study comparing the results of solely dieting versus a combination of diet and exercise revealed that people who adjust their food intake and become more physically active tend to lose more weight than those who only take one path.
This is because the diet helps create a deficit while exercise burns more calories. As a result, you’re more likely to lose weight much faster.
Here are some health tips to help you maintain this approach:
- Choose low-calorie but nutrient-dense foods to fuel your activities. Protein-packed snacks are a popular option.
- Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so always drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. It can reduce your cravings after working out.
- You should do a mix of cardio and strength training exercises if you want to burn more fat while building muscle mass.
Join a Weight Loss Program for the Right Way for You
If you’re unsure whether to work on your diet or work out harder, there’s no need to fret. The best weight loss programs in Singapore create tailor-made strategies that suit your specific goals, whether it’s addressing poor food choices or building muscle.
Do be sure to pick a program that takes a holistic approach to losing weight so you aren’t simply slimming down. You’ll want a strategy that’s healthy and sustainable in the long run.
Let’s Rethink Our Weight Loss Strategy
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. Both diet and exercise have unique roles to play when you’re figuring out how to lose weight fast. Depending on your circumstances, you might need to put more effort into one than the other.
Just remember that It’s always wise to seek professional support if you’re at a loss for what to do. The right expert can lead you towards the best path to a fitter and slimmer self.
