Losing weight is great for your health. It benefits both mind and body. And walking is one of the easiest ways you can get in shape. It doesn’t require any special equipment. Additionally, there is little risk of injury. Simply putting in the steps each day will help you walk your way to a healthy weight.
Here’s how walking will help you lose weight.
#1 Calories in, calories out.
Losing weight is a basic mathematical equation. Burn more calories than you eat and you’ll lose weight. One pound is equal to 3500 calories. That means if you want to lose a pound a week, a very realistic goal, then you simply have to burn 500 more calories each day than you eat.
Now, if you walk five miles every day, or 10,000 steps, you’ll burn approximately 500 calories a day. On average, you burn about 100 calories per mile when you walk. So simply walking 10,000 steps a day will help you lose a pound a week.
Now if your aspirations are bigger than that, maybe you want to lose two pounds a week. You can cut back on your calories each day and double your weight loss results.
#2 Walking gives you more energy.
Walking provides a number of health benefits. One of them is the fact that you’ll have more energy. This means you’ll be able to be more active during the day and thus burn more calories. You’ll also feel better mentally and emotionally too due to the chemicals released by your brain when you exercise.
#3 Walking helps you sleep.
There is a very real connection between sleep and weight loss. In fact studies have shown that people who regularly get a good night’s sleep weigh less than those who don’t. Sleep plays an important role in metabolism, hunger and stress management. Sleep well and those cravings are easier to resist!
#4 Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is something that our body makes when exposed to sunshine. If you walk outside you’ll get the sunshine you need. Vitamin D affects mood, metabolism, brain function and so many other things that are crucial to maintaining a healthy mind and body. When you’re feeling your best, losing weight is much easier.
#5 Stronger body.
When you walk you are taking measures to improve your overall fitness. Strong muscles create a better metabolism. Strong muscles burn fat faster and help you reach your weight loss goals quickly.
If you want to lose weight starting a walking program is a great first step. In fact, it may be the only step you need to take to regain your health and achieve a healthy weight. To your great health and success!