Goodbye Fat, Hello Lean Body

Fat loss doesn't have to be a mystery. Here are 8 simple things that you can start (or continue) doing that will help you burn more fat, raise your metabolism and create the lean, sexy body you've always wanted.

1. Drink More Water

This tip stays around because it works. Being dehydrated does more damage than people may realize. Not only does dehydration cause our organs to steal water from each other, but in terms of fitness and health, dehydration slows the body's metabolism down. If drinking more water means a boost in metabolism (and it does), then everyone should drink to that.

Don't use the old "eight glasses a day" routine to find out how much water you need to stay hydrated. Instead, divide your weight by two and you'll have your magic number. For instance, if you weigh 140 lbs, you will need 70 oz of water per day to be adequately hydrated.

2. Warm vs. Cold Water

In addition to drinking enough water, recent studies have shown that cold water may boost metabolism because the body works harder to heat it up once consumed. The supposed increase isn't enough to make any serious dents in your weight, glass by glass. However, once the habit is formed, the metabolism boost can add up. While the warm vs. cold debate isn't all that important, since you will be drinking more water anyway, why not maximize the benefits with efforts?

3. Break for a Cause

If you have a desk job that doesn't require much in the way of physical activity, it may be a good idea to use your break to take a brief walk. Even if it's around the office, the break in sedation helps to jolt the body's enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism. A few stretches, walking, or just standing from time to time are all good ways to break the daily grind and keep your body working.

4. Protein, Protein, Protein

You want lean muscle? Protein helps you build and keep lean muscle. Personal trainers have stressed the benefits of protein after workouts and science supports them. In fact, consuming protein after workouts (within 45 minutes) can boost your calorie burn by 35 percent.

Eggs, fish and poultry are great sources of protein. And while you may not be able to grab and go with fish or poultry, hard-boiled eggs and whey protein shakes are a great way to get your protein to go.

5. Go to Bed

This was a dreaded command as a child, but it seems like parents were onto something. People who sleep less tend to have more stress and as a result, more visceral fat built up. Life factors excluded, sleep is your body's way to repair itself and keep you working at optimal levels. Taking naps or hopping in the bed just 30 minutes earlier are easy tips you can do to help keep your workouts working for you.

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