Ripped abs, a chiseled torso or the much-coveted six-pack – once upon a time, I despised these phrases like Scrooge despises Christmas. Unless you are a part of the elite 1% of individuals boasting naturally well-defined muscles and a six-pack, it’s a steep uphill climb. These genetically fortunate folks can devour anything, with no weight gain in sight. However, they’re also relentless in their workouts, refusing to hold back. Typically, they maintain healthy diets, adopt wellness-oriented lifestyles, and are blessed with good genes!
Society’s Quick-Fix Obsession
Nowadays, in our rushed lives, waiting is no longer considered a virtue. We desire results, and we want them immediately. With predominantly sedentary jobs and unhealthy fast food diets, our lifestyles are far from ideal. As a result, we pin our hopes on potential cosmetic enhancements to improve our appearance. But wait – subjecting ourselves to the knife for aesthetic improvements? Who would willingly spend hard-earned money on such a seemingly absurd idea?
Yet, statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reveal a shocking fact. In the U.S., certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and otolaryngologists performed over 11 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures. The total expenditure? A whopping $12 billion, of which surgical procedures accounted for over $7 billion. To give these numbers some perspective, $12 billion is more than the GDP of several smaller nations such as Sao Tome and Principe ($256M) and Micronesia ($318M) combined. Consider what could be achieved with $12 billion!
The Cost-Free Solution
The typical cost for a tummy tuck is staggering – anywhere between $3,000 and $12,000! And, that doesn’t account for additional costs, such as anesthesia and other miscellaneous charges. So what other alternatives exist? Can the adverse effects of overeating, consuming alcohol, and lazing around on the couch truly be reversed?
The answer is a definite yes! Our body is a wonder of nature’s engineering. Though, admittedly, if an extremely overweight person shed a lot of weight, they may be left with excess skin that could require cosmetic surgery. However, for those who have packed on a few extra pounds, there’s no need to break the bank paying a plastic surgeon for body transformations. All that’s required is a feasible diet complemented with rigorous exercises like those offered at Yoga Sacramento County CA. Shedding those pounds and dissolving fat will take time. It’s essential to remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day; patience is the key.
The Course of Action
Establish a diet plan, choose from a plethora of options that suit your needs. As long as you burn more calories than you intake, fat loss and weight reduction are inevitable. A hassle-free option could be Intermittent Fasting which involves meal consumption only between noon and 8 PM, effectively fasting for 16 hours.
Perform HIIT training for quicker results than traditional cardio exercises like running or biking. Alternate between intense activity for two minutes and slower activity for one minute, continuing the cycle for five to eight rounds. This will burn an incredible amount of calories during and even after your workout.
For women with a minor belly roll, a body shaper can help tuck in those areas until they’re completely eliminated.
Final Thoughts
Once upon a time, I was unsure where to start. I was overweight, and my health was precarious. Finally, I had enough, and I decided to fast. Once I lost weight, I committed to consistent workouts, gradually working towards the results I craved. It took me two years to reach a point where I was lean enough to reveal my abs, eat what I wanted without weight gain – and no, I’m still not part of the 1% genetically gifted, but I’m not far off. Hard work, patience, and determination were my costs which were essentially zero monetarily, and the health benefits? Invaluable.
