Makeoverfitness-Weight loss and diet solution for individuals of any shape, size, and lifestyle.

According to The American Heart Association, total fat intake should be between 20 and 30 percent of total calories. The amount of total calories you should consumed is based on several factors. Factors such as height, weight, age, and activity level determines how many calories you should consume.

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It is important to make sure you are properly fueled before a workout. Working out while you're hungry negatively affects your performance and causes decreased results. Try consuming high energy snacks to get you through a tough workout.

There are a few key reasons you should eat before a workout. It helps prevent low blood sugar, which may cause lightheadedness. You can't get an effective workout in this condition. Eating also helps you from burning too much muscle. Although exercising on an empty stomach causes fat loss, it also burns muscle. Burning excess muscle makes you look sickly instead of healthy and toned. Eating is important before working out because it helps avoid this effect.

Your pre-workout meal should be relatively low in fat and fiber so it's easily digestible. Although you want your meal to be high in energy, too much sugar content may cause you to burnout during your workout. For example: Eat fruit instead of candies before a workout to give you an energy boost.

A good workout meal and proper hydration is important to boost your performance. Along with your meal, you should drink water before, during and after your workouts. When you perform better in the gym, the better your chances are at results in the mirror. Make sure you don't overdo it and eat healthy snacks before every workout.

List of great pre-workout meals

1. Cereal (with skim milk)

2. Whole grain bread

3. Low-fat protein bar

4. Low-fat granola bar

5. Smoothie

6. Fruit (banana, apple, pear, orange)

7. Veggies (green beans, peas, celery, carrots)

8. Egg whites

9. Glass of milk (skim milk)

If you are addicted to eating chocolate but trying to lose weight, fear not.  As with any food addiction, you must find out how much you are eating and the calorie count then replace the existing chocolate with healthier chocolate recipes or fruit. Allow yourself to gradually kick your addiction.

First, you must discover how much chocolate you are consuming.  Find out how many calories and fat are in each serving and write it down.  This gives you a clear picture of how you are harming your body if you are eating too much. 

Anything in excess is not good for your body. Chocolate alone is not the problem. Excessive chocolate consumption overloads your body with junk.  One technique to avoid the urge to eat chocolate is eating all of your meals.  By eating and snacking throughout the day, you won't be hungry.  Not being hungry will help keep you from eating chocolate. 

Don't buy chocolate and have it in your home. Not having the temptation around will help your chances of not eating it.  Driving to the store may give you a chance to think before you start.  Instead of chocolate, fill your pantry and refrigerator with healthy snacks and fruits.

You don't have to stop eating chocolate immediately. Gradually eat less daily until you kick the habit.  If you make it a habit of not eating as much, eventually you won't have the urge.  Have only a few small pieces a day until you don't need it anymore.  

Many people have the misconception that if they any eat chocolate they are going to get fat.  The key to maintaining a healthy weight is to not eat anything, including chocolate, in excess. Maintain your self control and you can eat many of the things you like without causing weight gain.

Taking control of what you consume is one of the keys to battling weight loss.   To truly control your eating habits, purchasing and preparing your own meals is essential.   Grocery shopping allows you to choose your own foods and the ingredients, which can help you fight obesity.