Weight loss approaches can be broad-ranging but with dedication, most lead to promising results.
Sometimes the most effective way to lose weight is gradually as this allows dieters to make realistic and sustainable changes to eating and exercise habits.
Jake Simms, from Basingstoke, shed 5st 12lb after adopting a slow approach to weight loss.
The slimmer reported drastic results after shopping for low-fat options at the supermarket and scheduling frequent football matches.
Jake noted diet and exercise were instrumental to his weight loss
JAKE SIMMS
He embarked on his journey by joining the Man V Fat initiative, crediting his success to the supportive nature of the community.
According to 38-year-old, the programme helped remove the stigmas that prevent many men from taking the first steps towards better health.
His decision to join the programme came after receiving a diagnosis of sleep apnea linked to his weight gain.
“I most enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends while staying active,” Jake shared. “It’s a supporting community that helps you achieve your health goals without any stigma that people may feel.”
When questioned about his weight loss approach, the dieter emphasised that both exercise and diet played an equally important role.
“Consumption of the right foods as well as scheduling regular football activities and exercise weekly, were imperative,” he shared, admitting that other changes included calorie counting.
“Essentially calorie counting per day via MyFitnessPal indicated the limit of what I can consume per day, depending on current weight and what my phone has detected in terms of step count in addition,” shared Jake.
While tracking his caloric intake was necessary, the focus in Jake’s transformation remains on making sustainable changes rather than dieting in a restrictive manner.
“I am still consuming the same food as before, just moderating quantity,” Jake noted, highlighting the importance of smart food choices.
Jake recommends making lifestyle changes at your own pace
JAKE SIMMS
“The only real change is smarter food choices with regards to the weekly shop, like taking home a 5% fat version of mince instead of a high proportion of fat.”
Another crucial component lies in making changes at one’s own pace, the dieter pointed out.
“Do what is right for you and at a pace that suits,” he shared. “It really is your journey and it’s also not a sprint either.
“Don’t be swayed by ‘this diet’ or ‘you need to do/do not’ or ‘you need to do this/that,” he shared. “I know my body and what I need.”
