5 Best Running Tips for Weight Loss, Expert Says — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

If you’re looking to lose weight, running is one of the best ways to do it. Not only does it burn calories, but it also helps build muscle and improve your overall health. But running isn’t always easy, and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the five best running tips for weight loss, according to experts. From what to eat before and after a run to how to stay motivated, these tips will help you get the most out of your running routine and reach your weight loss goals. So, let’s get started!

5 Best Running Tips for Weight Loss, Expert Says — Eat This Not That

If you’re looking to lose weight, running is one of the best exercises you can do. Not only does it burn calories, but it also helps build muscle and improve your overall health. But if you’re new to running, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out, we asked an expert for her top five running tips for weight loss.

1. Start Slow

When it comes to running, it’s important to start slow and build up your endurance over time. Start with a few minutes of running and gradually increase the amount of time you spend running each week. This will help you avoid injury and ensure that you’re able to stick with your running routine.

2. Mix Up Your Routines

If you’re running the same route every day, it can get boring quickly. To keep things interesting, mix up your running routine by running different routes or trying different types of runs, such as interval training or hill running. This will help keep you motivated and help you reach your weight loss goals.

3. Eat the Right Foods

Eating the right foods is essential for weight loss. Make sure you’re eating plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks, as these can lead to weight gain. Eating the right foods will help fuel your runs and give you the energy you need to reach your goals.

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is key when it comes to running. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your runs. This will help keep your body functioning properly and help you reach your weight loss goals.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for weight loss. Make sure you’re getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. This will help your body recover from your runs and give you the energy you need to stay motivated and reach your goals.

By following these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to reaching your weight loss goals. Remember to start slow, mix up your routines, eat the right foods, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. With a little dedication and hard work, you’ll be able to reach your goals in no time.

Running is an excellent way to improve your aerobic fitness. In general, getting in regular cardio is a stellar way to slim down, get toned, and bump up your fat burn. However, if you want really maximize the results from your running workouts, I recommend implementing a few additional strategies. The following are five of my top running tips for weight loss. It’s time to lace up your running shoes, and get ready for the calorie burn. And next up, don’t miss Exercise Habits for Weight Loss That Science Says Actually Work.

runners performing interval training
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The first of these running tips for weight loss has to do with interval training. Instead of doing one 20-minute run at a steady pace, consider adding intervals throughout your cardio session. Essentially, this involves running faster for brief periods of time, then running at a slower period to recover, rather than holding out somewhere in the middle-intensity range.

Interval training has the benefit of increasing the calories you burn after the workout by boosting your metabolism. That way, you get more bang for your buck with the time you spend running.

middle-aged woman running by beach, exercises you shouldn't skip after 50
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Rather than doing a long run one to two times per week, consider doing more frequent but shorter runs. This will help keep your metabolism fired up each day and allow your body to better recover and build up your muscles and tendons to handle longer runs. Shorter versus longer runs are relative and will of course depend on your current running ability. However, generally speaking, you will be better off with more days of exercise, even if it means shorter individual workouts.

RELATED: Side Effects of Exercising Just 5 Minutes per Day

man drinking water bottle, demonstrating running tips for weight loss
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If you plan on running longer than 30 minutes, it’s recommended to bring some form of hydration into the mix. Electrolyte drinks are fine, although if you are looking to lose weight, you should stick with calorie-free beverages. If you are running longer than an hour, it’s definitely important to replenish your electrolytes. Thankfully, there are many sugar-free electrolyte drinks on the market.

woman eating power bar before run
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If you want to eat high glycemic carbohydrates, the best time to do so from a fat loss perspective is around your workouts. The insulin and sugar spike will be used by your body during the exercise, which counteracts many of the negative weight gain effects of high glycemic carbs before bedtime, as an example. As such, if you do plan to indulge in some faster-digesting carbs and sugar, do so within one hour before or after your workout.

RELATED: What Running Every Day Does to Your Body, Expert Reveals

woman suffering knee pain from running on pavement
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Paved concrete and asphalt are very common materials for running and walking paths. However, running excessively on pavement puts you at greater risk of tendonitis and other chronic issues in the feet, knees, and hips, when compared to running on softer surfaces such as trails, turf, or general unpaved dirt.

You can safely run on pavement if you build up slowly and do not overdo it. But in my experience, finding a great running trail outdoors is the best option to ensure you remain injury-free and able to get in your strides, which is key to long-term weight loss from running.

Tyler Read

Tyler Read is a personal trainer and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 15 years. Read more about Tyler