Enhancing your body’s ability to burn fat is like unlocking a treasure chest of energy in your body. It’s not just about cutting calories; it’s a more nuanced dance that involves nutrition, exercise, and understanding how your body works. Let’s break it down into simple steps.

1. Eat Less Sugar and Carbs

First things first, cut down on sugars and carbs. When you eat less sugar and carbohydrates, your body’s insulin levels drop. Insulin is the hormone responsible for storing fat, so when its levels decrease, it becomes easier for your body to access and burn stored fat. High insulin causes many health issues including diabetes and heart disease. Every successful diet method always contains some sort of lowered sugars & carbs. Those that don’t, don’t work.

2. Increase Protein and Healthy Fats

Boost your intake of protein (to about 70g per day) and healthy fats (at least 50g). Eating more protein can help reduce your appetite and boost your metabolism. Meanwhile, healthy fats help keep you fuller for longer while fueling your brain. This combo can shift your body’s energy reliance from carbs to fats. Studies show that consuming medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) (coconut oil) with polyphenols together can actually prevent you from gaining weight.

3. Get Moving

Exercise is key. But not just any exercise – focus on a mix of cardio and strength training.

• Cardio for Fat Burning: Activities like brisk walking, short duration jogging, cycling, or swimming increase your heart rate and burn calories immediately. They can help reduce belly fat, which is linked to many health issues. Only do cardio on Cardio days of the Lunar Calendar.
• Strength Training to Boost Metabolism: Building muscle through strength training is a game changer. More muscle means a higher resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when you’re not working out. The Dao Life Lunar Calendar has special days where strength training is more effective. Follow the lunar calendar recommendations for better results from your efforts.

4. Try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods. This type of training not only burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time but also increases your metabolic rate after the workout more than longer times jogging or excessive weight training does.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water. Sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger. Staying well-hydrated helps your body run more efficiently and helps with fat loss. Drink according to the Chinese Water Schedule to maintain the best absorption rates. Eat foods that hydrate the body.

6. Consider Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It can reduce calorie intake, increase growth hormone levels, and increase amounts of norepinephrine, all of which help break down body fat and facilitate its use for energy. Some fasters don’t eat until sundown on fasting days. More experienced practitioners wait until break-FAST the next morning. You can start out by cutting out a certain food group and then gradually work to no food during the day, but only on safe fasting day on the Dao Life Lunar Calendar.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain and reduced fat loss. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to support weight loss and fat burning. Get to bed earlier, aiming to be asleep by 10:30pm for optimal Liver Rejuvenation during the night.

8. Manage Stress

High stress levels can increase cortisol, a hormone that promotes body fat storage, especially around the midsection. Engage in activities that reduce stress, like mindful meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, or walking outside in nature.

The Bottom Line

Burning fat is about creating an environment where your body prefers to use fat as its energy source. It’s a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Remember, consistency is key, and making gradual adjustments to your lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in fat burning and overall health.