Can MyFitnessPal and Zumba Help Me Lose Weight?

[Danger]

If I was left on the African savanah to find my own food I guess that would be a pretty effective way to lose weight although I don't think I would last very long to enjoy my reduced weight state.

That does bring to mind the most crucial issue of this particular debate (as opposed to the OP, which we are ignoring for a moment)... hydration is key in any circumstance, whether it be a sporting event, a walk in the park, or the aforementioned safari. If you don't have enough water, it's game over.

 

[Ben Niehoff]

Any good weight loss program also needs to include weight training. This is because as your body burns fat, it also burns muscle. If you eat at a calorie deficit consistently, you will get skinny, but you will still be flabby, and you may be disappointed with the results. Lifting heavy weight for low reps will help you retain muscle while losing fat, and get that toned look. Look into a weight training program like Starting Strength to go along with your cardio and diet. Do this even if you are a girl who wants to "get toned"...it is impossible for women to get massive bodybuilder muscles without taking steroids, so don't be afraid of that.

Also, quinoa is not a good source of protein. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the amino acids needed by your body, but the proportion of protein to carbs is pretty low. Quinoa is mostly a carb food, like rice or wheat.

Lentils are a much better source of protein, but incomplete by themselves. Combine them with whole grains to get a complete protein. Or just eat some meat, it's good for you.

 

[timmastny]

Just wanted to stress the importance of what Ben Niehoff said. Starting Strength is one of the best things to happen to me.

I'm shocked to hear recommendations for sugary foods like fruits and more carbs instead of a foundation of adequate, complete protein (which is mostly found in meat).

 

[feathermoon]

I'd also recommend the doing Starting Strength. Rippetoe's program is great. Another good one is Starr's 5x5.

You don't need meat, but eggs and milk is more than enough of a protein source. In particular, women don't even have the same protein need that men do precisely because they won't be putting on pounds of muscle. But you should still do a full body weight lifting regemen, its the BEST way to get healthy if you take it seriously--in that it increases your potential in all physical activities, as opposed to preparing you for specific movements.