How being more active throughout the day helps you lose fat

Just as it’s important to consume fewer calories when trying to lose fat, it’s also important that you’re active throughout the day to expend more calories.

You can help create a caloric deficit not only by eating small portions of the right types of foods, but also by being more active throughout the day. If the goal is to expend more calories than you consume, then it only makes sense that you’d want to be more active to make sure you create a caloric deficit.

Take every opportunity to be as active as possible throughout the day. The more active you are, the more calories you'll burn, and the easier it'll be to create a caloric deficit for maximum fat loss.

Exercise doesn't have to be limited to the track or the gym. You can greatly increase the amount of physical activity your body gets (and the total calories you burn) by making small lifestyle changes to be as active as possible throughout the day..

Here's a few simple examples:

Get in the habit of taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Keep your sport shoes in the car so you're always prepared to get out and be active when you have some extra time. You could take a brisk walk or shoot some baskets after lunch before returning to work.

Choose a hike or a bike ride instead of a movie.

Play with your kids in the backyard rather than dropping them off at the video arcade.

Instead of catching up with friends over a few drinks, play racquetball or tennis.

Any extra bit of activity adds up and over the long-run and makes a big difference in how much fat you lose.

Key points to remember:

1. Take advantage of every opportunity to be more active throughout the day to help create the caloric deficit.