There's no denying that running is an excellent way to get in shape and lose weight. Minute for minute, it's one of the most efficient forms of exercise for burning fat.
New runners will experience weight management benefits within just a few weeks of starting to run. And if you're goal-oriented with running, it's undeniable that being at your healthy weight is an important part of running well. You'll obviously run slower if you're carrying unneeded pounds.
But getting to your ideal weight can be a struggle for most folks. Even with a good running program, losing those last 10 pounds may seem like it takes forever. The best way to see results is to take a two-pronged approach: modify your diet (just a little bit) and make sure your running adheres to the "afterburn" principles.
More: Running to Lose Weight
Losing Weight With Diet: The One-Fix Solution
Nobody wants to revamp his or her entire diet just to lose a little weight. It's complicated, time-consuming and not sustainable in the long term. Instead, make one change at a time. And when that one change can dramatically help you lose 10 pounds, it's even better.
A simple, relatively quick and extremely effective way to drop unwanted weight is to eliminate "bad" carbohydrates from your meals. You might recognize this strategy, as it's floated around under various names like Atkins, Slow-Carb, Paleo or Primal.
More: How to Run on a Paleo Diet
Regardless of what you call it, low-carb diets work for two reasons: carbs are fuel so if you're not burning every gram, you're storing them ? as fat. And the more carbs you eat, the more water your body retains.
Reducing your carbs—particularly the processed kind like sugar, sweets, muffins and bread—can help you lose weight in less than a week. Focus on eating only high-quality carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes and wild rice. This will ensure you're still eating a good runner's diet that provides enough fuel for your workouts.
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