One of the most common questions that people ask when they want to lose weight or get that lean muscular appearance is how to lose bodyfat? People are often disappointed by the answer to this question, sometimes expecting a "magic bullet" approach that will give them the body that they want overnight. This article will summarize the basics regarding tips to lose body fat.

If there is a "magic bullet" to losing bodyfat it is this - you need the proper combination of weight training, cardiovascular exercise and proper nutrition. Without these three things in proper balance you cannot achieve adequate loss of bodyfat. Let's break these down:

1. Weight training: weight training will help you build lean muscle mass as well as increase your metabolism so you can turn your body into a fat burning machine. Adding weight training to your fat loss regimen pushes your body to continue to burn calories (thus fat) long after your workouts are over. If you are new to weight lifting you should really consult a fitness professional to help you devise a program that is right for you.

2. Cardiovascular exercise: in order to maximize weight loss and burning bodyfat you must perform cardiovascular exercises. Without this you are only cheating yourself. Research has shown that combining cardiovascular exercise with weight training causes your body to burn calories more rapidly and for longer periods of time than if you only perform one form of exercise. You really should strive for 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least 5 days a week. Some experts suggest that you perform cardio in the morning when you first wake up. Your body will burn fat because there is no food in your system at that time. If you can't do cardio in the morning then certainly work it in at another time during the day.

3. Nutrition: this aspect is key if you want to know how to lose bodyfat. You should strive to eat a high protein diet (1 gram of protein per 1 pound of bodyweight) per day. A diet high in protein allows you to burn more fat, reduces water retention, makes you less hungry and raises your metabolism. Foods high in protein include: beef, chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. You also need to minimize the amount of "bad" carbs which include foods made with white flour or processed flour). Stick with foods made with wheat or whole grain products but focus more on fibrous carbs such as vegetables for you carb intake. Lastly, avoid foods high in saturated fat. These include butter, processed foods, junk (fast) foods, cooking oils, etc. These are limited lists.

Practicing these tips to lose body fat are essential if you want to lose weight, bodyfat and gain a lean, muscular appearance. Monitor your progress weekly by weighing yourself or taking bodyfat measurements. Set a goal to lose 1/2 a pound to a pound per week. As long as you are achieving this keep doing what you're doing. If you stop losing weight then it's time to increase your cardio, reduce the amount you are eating or both.

Persistence is the only way to lose body fat in the long term. You are making lifestyle changes with this plan. If you stick with it you can achieve a healthier lifestyle and improved body image. It may take several weeks or months but the results are worth it. You can choose to do nothing and stay as you are or you can implement these strategies and start your path to a lean, muscular body.