Different Ways to Lose Weight

Different people get results from different weight loss plans. Some people find that strenuous cardio training sheds pounds, while others find that the best way to lose weight is through dieting. Others believe that the best path to weight loss is a combination of workouts and diets.

Cardio and Strength Training

Combine cardio and weight training to burn calories and build metabolism-boosting muscle.

Lifting weights burns eight to 10 calories per minute. Burn an additional 120 calories a day for every three pounds of muscle you have---even while at rest.

Pair weight training to build lean muscle with cardio for maximum results. Switch between cardio such as running, rowing, cycling or elliptical training, and strength training such as weight-lifting, yoga or Pilates.

Exercise at least five days a week and alternate between your cardio and strength training routines. Change your overall workout routine every few months to keep working out fresh and interesting.

Caloric Cycling

Rev up your metabolism by practicing caloric cycling. Caloric cycling is when you consume a lower number of daily calories one week and a higher number of daily calories the next week.

Consume only healthy food to make this program work. Eat lean chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy. Drink plenty of water to flush your system of toxins.

The first week, eat 1,200 calories every day. Bump up your daily intake to 1,500 calories every day for the next week.

You should see an initial weight drop after the second week. Continue cycling calories until you reach your weight-loss goal.

Food Journaling

Track your calories in a daily food journal. Seeing what you eat, when you eat and how much you consume each day can be a powerful weight-loss aid.

Purchase a daily planner at your local office supply store. Begin by writing down everything you eat, immediately after you eat, in the journal.

Check for eating patterns and trends. Do you often eat junk food in the afternoon or late at night? Identify those moments of weakness and the junk food offenders. Have healthy alternatives on hand for times when you are most likely to toss your diet, and reach for those instead of junk.

Have a daily caloric goal and continue to strive for it while you are journaling.