Losing weight is something which is very dependent on your body and your mind. Personally speaking, I would avoid dieting unless I have a very good diet plan.
I would recommend my friends to visit the nutrition specialist or an equivalent if you want to start with a healthy diet.
Mind you, fasting is of no use. It will only lead to the release of acids which is harmful to your body. Crash dieting is also harmful. You should take up a diet which makes you eat and lose your weight. Yes its possible!
Personally I have found that Swimming is the best exercise for me. It tones up my muscles as well as relaxes me after a long hard day.
some of the forms of exercise which I personally came across and tried are:
Yoga - Yoga is one of the best forms of exercises. Its a proved fact that Yoga keeps you both mentally and physically fit. It makes you mentally very strong and able to face any situation in life. Yoga needs lot of dedication and time. Its very good for people who are deeply stressed. This form of exercise will calm their nerves and destress them. Its a myth that stress can be busted by aerobics or any other major activity. Aerobics make your adrenalin flow and this makes you feel high and on the go. This is not a very good antidote for stress.
Another advantage of Yoga is that you can do this exercise at any age.
Catch hold of someone who teaches Yoga or buy a book on Yoga. It will help you to start with this form of exercise.
Aerobics/Calisthenics - Aerobics is a real good form of exercise but this is like learning dance.If you start aerobic, you better stick to it all throughout. Aerobics will do wonders for your body but if you dont keep it up or lets say if you stop you are going to be in a worse shape than you were when you started.
If you tend to get tired very soon and if you are leading a very hyperactive lifestyle this exercise is not for you.
Moreover aerobics cannot be practiced when you reach a certain age. The body cannot take all that jumping and stretching.
Another disadvantage of aerobics is that you cannot do it alone. Its rather boring! its fun when a group is slogging and sweating with you. You are happy that everyone is going through the same grunts and groans along with you and all of you have a single goal.
I would not recommend only aerobics as a form of exercise. Aerobics mixed with Calisthenics is a ideal combination. Calisthenics is a cool way of keeping fit. Calisthenics exercises can be done at home too. And its pretty effective too.
So if you have problem running or breathing(Ashthma) dont go for this!
If you think you are upto the jumping and running and dont feel tired easily. and if you think that you can continue this for a long time . this is the exercise for you.
I tried this for two months and then our instructor stopped for some reason. That made me real sluggish and craving for some activity. I tried doing it alone but was not at all motivated.
Walking/Jogging - This is one of the best form of exercise which is fun and relaxing at the same time. Its good if you have a partner to walk or jog with. Walking is best done in the early hours of the morning when the air you breathe is fresh and it gives you a lot of energy to get through the day.
Walking also helps destress you. Its not too hard an activity and neither is it too relaxing!
Swimming - Well this is the best form of exercise I found. I like the water and its real good for me. Its detresses me as well as makes it fun. This is an exercise which keeps your whole body fit and has the power to release all the negative energy in your body. Its a dedicated activity if you take this up as an exercise.
Workstations The only advice I can give here is that when you are using health workstations make sure you have the instructor with you. Pumping weights is fun but for people who want to lose weight, be careful. your fat might get converted into muscle and it will be no use using the machine. You are back to where you started.
There are lots of other activities like working around the house, Dancing, cycling which help you lose weight. But the key is to make the right choice .
Well last but not the least, dont eat anything heavy one hour before and immediately after exercise. all your hard work will go for a toss. Keep to a juice or something light. And its no use exercising for a short period of time and giving it up for sometime and then starting again. Consistency is very important. That is why your selection of exercise is very important.
Heres wishing you a great start to a good health.