If you want a new shape to your body there is no magic pill or cream that you can use to shed the pounds. Diet and exercise remain the only scientifically proven way to lose weight and any body transformation system must incorporate both to be effective.

The best diet plans are the ones that do not call for you to starve yourself. In fact, they promote eating several small meals a day. Science tells us that regular food intake fuels the fat burning furnace of the body and when you starve yourself your metabolism slows down. There are certain foods that tend to jump start your metabolism better than others and these are items that need to be incorporated into your body transformation system. Fish, chicken and vegetables are excellent examples of foods which can help. Think high fiber foods and low sugar. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

Changing your diet alone will not be enough to dramatically transform your body. The best way to boost your metabolism and start to burn off calories is through exercise. A combination of aerobic activity and weight training is needed. Building more muscle will help your body burn calories more efficiently and the fat burning benefits will continue long after you have finished the strength training exercises. Aerobic activity is an important aspect of weight loss as well but it is no substitute for strength training.

Aerobic activity can burn calories most effectively if it is done first thing in the morning. This is the best time to exercise because the physical activity will trigger production of hormones which start up the fat burning engines and increase your metabolism. During sleep the metabolic rate slows down and exercising in the morning will get it going again. Research shows that if the exercise is done before breakfast on an empty stomach, you can burn three times as many calories. It does not matter what type of aerobic activity you perform; a brisk walk or run, swimming or biking can all produce the desired results. Remember to follow up your morning workout with a low fat breakfast.