If you are trying to lose weight and having some challenges you are probably missing at least one of the three secrets to fat loss.  Despite what many people believe, no one thing alone will help you burn body fat and keep it off.  Body fat comes off as the result of the interplay of three primary things:

1. Eating only as many calories as your body needs, so that you do not end up storing excess calories as body fat.   Evolution has made us masters at storing up the extra food that we ingest beyond what we need so that we won’t starve to death.  Great for the survival of the species…not so great for bathing suit season .
2. Engaging in regular “metabolic training” (3-5 times per week).  Metabolic training is the Y2K term for what we use to refer to as “cardio”.  The difference is that there is now a lot more evidence to suggest that it is important to also include interval training in your program to  challenge not only the “aerobic system” but also the “anaerobic systems” (active when you are working out at a pace you can’t maintain for very long).  When you interval train you alternate between easier “active rest” periods and harder “work” intervals.  This trains the entire spectrum of your energy systems so you become more fit — it also helps you burn the maximum amount of calories in the minimum amount of time.
3. Doing regular resistance training (2-3 times per week) so that you can increase (and maintain) lean body tissue.  Lifting “light weights” won’t do it.  If they are “light” for you, your body won’t have to get stronger to move the weight.   People with good muscle tone have a reduce appearance (and presence for that matter) of cellulite, their bodies look more toned and it is easier for them to maintain their weight because muscle tissue is more metabolically active.

Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women