A Steady Guide to Start Shredding Pounds

Losing weight isn't easy, but according to experts, starting these healthy habits will give you the boost to drop those pounds for good.

Let's face it, the older we get, the harder it gets to stay healthy. Time is limited, we're always on the go, and we're definitely not in our physical prime. That doesn't mean it's all down-hill from here, it just means that it's going to take a little more work to stay in shape. Experts say that with these healthy habits, you'll be well on your way to not just lose weight for the summer, but for good.

Train in the morning - First, training in the morning can actually affect the number of calories you burn. If you work out before eating breakfast, you burn more fat because your glycogen stores are depleted, which forces your body to use fat to have that energy. Also, it sets a great routine that will always give your day a fresh and positive start.

Train with high intensity - If you want your metabolism to go up for the next 24 hours, experts recommend doing high-intensity training. This is due to "oxygen debt." This kind of training is rigorous, so if you're new to it, try committing to just one or two each week while starting out and work your way up from there.

Eat protein - Protein is power. It's essential for muscle recovery and growth. Experts recommend aiming for 20 to 30 grams of high-quality protein every three to four hours. Try to gradually start cooking your own dinners with lean meats during the week. The recipes for chicken are pretty much endless.

Implement a calorie deficit - I personally hate having to do the math, but it's pretty important for this. A pound is equal to about 3,500 calories, so every day for a week, if you eat 500 fewer calories than you burn, you could drop a pound in one week. Counting calories may sound like a hassle, but it really pays off if you're willing to put in the work.

Don't lose weight too quickly - Don't rush. When it comes to losing weight, it's all about being slow and steady, which is tough. You don't get to notice the process since the results are so gradual, but it's not only about losing the weight. Developing healthy habits is the key that will keep you with the results you get that you worked hard for. Try not to lose more than two pounds in a week so you maintain muscle mass. Take your time, and you'll be well on your way to shred that extra weight.