Like anything else, diet and exercise require learning and practice. It’s best to use them together and finding this perfect mix of getting in shape and just losing pounds can be a bit tricky. One needs to learn how to lose fat and gain muscle instead of just learning how to lose weight. Without getting in better shape, most of the weight loss will be very temporary and almost impossible to maintain. Getting strong is the first part of losing weight.

Most people should start by asking a doctor how to lose fat and gain muscle without going overboard. Not everyone is ready to start an exercise program the next day, and some people may need to modify a diet to accommodate certain medical conditions. Barring complications, starting to lose weight starts with moving a little more, adding some dedicated exercise time to the week, and eating better. There are programs designed to guide people through this process. Many people assume the solutions are obvious, but end up overdoing it at first or making the whole process so miserable that they can’t continue.

There are numerous products on the market that offer various ways to lose weight, but not enough to teach readers how to lose fat and gain muscle. In fact, losing weight is not always good. Some people may find that, with a good exercise program, they can actually gain a few pounds from the activity but will gain muscle. Muscle is largely responsible for the shape of our bodies. Losing fat is a good thing for most people, but simply losing fat won’t give you the type of body you probably envision. That body needs exercise.

Look for programs that teach how to lose fat and gain muscle without crash diets or other deceptive methods. Usually such diets will offer some weight loss. The weight, however, will quickly return when it becomes apparent that the diet cannot be maintained for long. Healthy eating is a lifelong habit and is rewarding, which makes following a sensible diet a realistic goal for most people. Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean lifting weights and jogging miles every morning. However, the end result of exercise is often the feeling that one could do any of those things without tiring too soon.