Don’t Let Your Body Become the Latest
Casualty of the Recession

Tips on Burning Body Fat

As budget deficits and fears of an uncertain future expand around the world, you might find that something else a little closer to home is ballooning out of control. While looking for the latest news on the global recession or excessive spending, don’t be surprised if you stumble upon an excessive amount of body fat instead.

Yup, that’s right. Any kind of stress can cause unwanted weight gain as it slows your body's ability to naturally burn fat. So how are you going to prevent it? While you have little control over government buyouts and stimulus packages, you do have control over buying the right foods and implementing your own plan of action to stimulate your metabolism. If you choose to bailout on either of the above choices, the unused portion of your body's fuel will invariably be stored as fat that will deposit itself around your waist, thighs, hips, arms, wherever.

The naked truth is that each one of us has a "problem area.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to spot-lose fat; however, fat will burn from all areas of one’s body when confronted with a proper diet and ample activities. Below is a list of inexpensive, but valuable tips on how to remain fit at all times.

Eat five small meals a day (not a typo).  Five small meals are better than three big ones.  When most people begin packing on the pounds, they resort to skipping meals in hopes of shedding the extra weight. However, that’s a move that will result in just the opposite.  Case in point, your body burns fuel like a camp fire. If you toss a big log into a camp fire, it tends to smolder and burn slowly (slow metabolism).  When you throw in smaller pieces of wood, the fire burns hotter and more fiercely (faster metabolism).  Eating healthy foods in five smaller portions will stoke your fire and burn more calories!

Avoid emotional eating. Don't run to the refrigerator every time you begin to feel overwhelmed. Instead, skip rope, hit the gym or even wash the car. Emotional eating in times of stress is a leading cause of obesity. After acknowledging that you have a problem, talk to someone about your stressor. You could even go for a stroll while sharing your burden with a caring ear. 

Get moving. Get your heart rate up and start melting away the gooey fat that is sapping away your energy. Use this simple equation to help you figure out your target zone: 220-your age = maximum heart rate. Max HR x .60 = minimal HR required to burn fat. Try to sustain that heart rate for 20 or more minutes at least three times a week and you'll see the results you're looking for. Spring is nearly here so make use of the sunshine and get outside. You can walk, ride, skate, or glide. Just do it!

Become a water-holic. There is no one on God's green Earth that drinks enough water. Your body's cells need water, pure and clean, to lose weight, function properly and take you to the places you want to go.

Employing these simple tips is sure to sustain you physically and mentally, even during taxing circumstances. Remember, your body is not a rental car so don't treat it like one.

In good health,
Daniel M. Lent-Koop, MPT, CHT

About Dan

Physical therapist, Daniel M. Lent-Koop, MPT, CHT, is highly experienced in managing high-volume clinics with the direction of support staff to include PT's, PTA's, OT's, COTA's, PT technicians and front office reception. Daniel, a California native, is proficient in both English and Spanish evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses, which include pain syndromes, musculoskeletal disorders, peripheral compression, cerebrovascular accident and post-operative rehabilitation.

Daniel, who is also a trained clinical instructor under IACCC guidelines, became a certified state licensed physical therapist in 1996 and a certified hand therapist in 2006.  He’s also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and member of the American Medical Athletic Association.Daniel, who spearheads Orleans Park Rehabilitation Services, in Hattiesburg, Miss., earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in physical therapy from the California Lutheran University in 1994, and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California in 1996.  Daniel said his greatest achievement, however, is “becoming a husband and father of four beautiful children.”  Besides his family and physical therapy, Daniel’s other loves include Jesus, USC football and surfing.

Need advice from Physical therapist Daniel M. Lent-Koop?   Submit your question using the Ask Dan Submission Form . Entries may be edited for clarity or space.

Disclaimer

Chinika.com’s  "Ask Dan" segment, updated bi-monthly, does not constitute medical and/or legal advice.  All materials and resources (“content”) presented on this Web site (the “site’’) are provided for informational purposes only.  The content is not intended for to be a substitute for “in person”  professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or mental health provider or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. Never delay seeking professional treatment or advice because of anything you may have read on this site!  If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or the emergency telephone operator (in the United States Dial 911) immediately. 

While chinika.com encourages your questions, please understand that you are not entering into a doctor and patient relationship with Daniel M. Lent-Koop, MPT, CHT.  A doctor and patient relationship is only entered upon when a person has a face-to-face meeting with Daniel M. Lent-Koop.  Any persons participating in the "Ask Dan" segment agrees to hold harmless chinika.com or Daniel M. Lent-Koop from any claims resulting from the use of his advice or any other circumstances and/or which damages the participant or any other party.

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