An alternative starting point to a healthier lifestyle!
First off, developing realistic expectations that aren't based on the photoshopped Insta-fit people is a good start.
Examples of what Insta-fit models may look like and may not positively influence your motivation
Thankfully, most of the social norms are starting to slowly move away from that method of "beauty," but that doesn't mean it's much better.
Despite this, there is a point where being too thin or too heavy begins to have negative effects on your health.
While one side (thin) has a clear method of fixing the problem (not that it makes it easier), people who are on the larger side have many options to lose weight, though they all require significant commitment, discipline and motivation.
I get it, having to commit to the gym and discipline yourself all the time isn't for everyone and it seems like more work than it needs to be when starting out.
Thankfully, walking can be a great alternative for a starting point. You get to actually go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. And you get to appreciate the beauty of your area, as well!
A little while ago, I published an article on using a game that is based on the outdoor environment, paired with virtual reality, all the while getting healthy and its awesome ability for getting and staying positive!
So, how much do you need to walk to start seeing some results?
In terms of how many calories burned, there's a simple way to check.
3500 calories are roughly equal to 450 grams of fat.
Walking one kilometre is, roughly, 1500 steps.
2000 steps translate into about 100 calories.
If you're looking to lose half a kilogram a week, you would want to walk about 10000 steps per day or about 8 kilometres, but there's a catch.
The calorie amount would only be true if your weight isn't moving. Basically, if you're eating enough to stay at the same weight but not so little that you're losing weight.
Coupled with a good, healthy diet, walking can be an awesome alternative or even an addition to working out.
Although walking speeds can vary greatly depending on many factors such as height, weight, age, terrain, surface, load, culture, effort, fitness, posture and stride length, the average human walking speed is approximately 5km/hr.
I always suggest to many of my weight loss clients to try and achieve 10000 steps per day.
And finally, a Stanford study even found that walking improves creativity.
Better start walking and remember to track it!