Inch-loss versus weight-loss: It's time you know the difference

If you are gearing up for your best friend's wedding, I am sure you have started working out so that you are picture perfect on the wedding date. You have probably even lost an inch here and there from those places where you wanted the weight gone and you know come 'D-Day' you will be ready.

We have all been victims of this kind of routine, at one stage or another. We worked out a month or more before some big event, lost a few kilos and felt happy about it. Heck we even patted ourselves on the back for a job well done, and in record time, right?

But after the wedding was over, you noticed that those inches around your waist were back right where they belonged, all thanks to the binging at the wedding. So what exactly happened? I will let you in on the secret. What happened during your month-long-elbow-greased workout was inch-loss and not weight-loss. It's time you know the difference.

For you to achieve complete weight-loss that will go the distance, and by distance here I mean instead of piling back on inches or kilos lost you should continue on the shedding pattern, then there are a couple of things that you must do;

Plan Bring out a calendar and schedule achievable goals for your weight-loss. For example, you can plan to lose one kilo a month to start with. These goals, however small, when achieved will give you lots of confidence that will help to propel you to the next goal.

Set your mind to it It is important to accept that there is no other alternative to hard work. For that, you need to set your mindset right, because it all starts in the mind. If you mean serious business and you are honestly looking for an answer to weight loss, then you should know that those fad diets, pills or bottles will not be your answer.

If you want to lose weight as opposed to losing inches, be ready to roll up your sleeves, buy some weights, pull out your calendar, work out a schedule and plan your diet right.

Eat right Speaking of diet, this is also a core pillar in weight-loss. It's okay to pack it in when you are young and active, but as you head toward your 30s, you will need to watch the ratios. Fats, carbohydrates and proteins are the main contents of any meal.

Choosing them wisely over the different meals of the day will help you go a long way in achieving your goal. Complex carbohydrates and healthy fats can be a part of your breakfast, but including the same for your supper might not be a great idea.

Exercise is key And last but not least, the most important element in weight-loss is, of course, a daily workout routine. Get your muscles working and increase your energy levels by engaging in a scheduled workout plan that will get you sweating. Those who are wondering if yoga can really help in losing weight, the answer is yes.

The basic fact about yoga is that it is an aerobic exercise, which can help you get in shape when done at moderate speed. If you are looking for serious weight loss then it needs to be done under the supervision of a yoga expert and over a period of time.

The advantage of yoga is that it leaves you fresh and new every time you are done with your yoga workout. The reason behind it being the fact that yoga brings your mind, body and breath on the same platform. This phenomenon makes it more interesting and easy and effective compared to other workouts.

It's easy to get into all of the above, but also remember that if you have a desk job, you will need to get up each hour and move a bit, even if you're just walking around the office. Watch your posture - your ears, shoulders, and hips should always be in line. It's called sitting upright. Gentle stretching can also help you feel better after spending all that time at your desk.