Losing Weight In Your 20s

FITNESS FIX

One of the best things about this decade? Your fitness options are endless.

"Your age, physical shape, and range of motion in your joints will allow you to do anything," says Katie Mitchell, director of exercise and research for Curves International.

But don't always veer toward cardio. You need to strength train, too, which many women in this decade shy away from because they think they're going to get bulky. The opposite, however, is true. "When you have more muscle, your metablolism will speed up," Mitchell says.

NUTRITUION SOLUTION

Skipping meals slows your metabolism and makes weight loss harder. N. Rodman, RD, director of nutrition for Curves Internatonal, suggests adopting a regular eating schedule. Having a healthy breakfast will reduce hunger throughout the day while spending time on weekends planning meals for the week allows you to stock up on healthy foods and not be tempted to eat fast foods when you're busy.

HEALTH BONUS

Now that you're making major life transitions, your stress levels are undoubtedly high. Trouble is that stress can make you gain weight. While you may have already had to deal with everyday stress like paying bills, there's also something called toxic stress, which is associated with major stressors, like finding a job. Toxic stress is the kind that leaves you overwhelmed, increasing your appetite and adding belly fat, which raises your risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. How do you tame it? Find a little time for yourself on a daily basis, whether it's for a manicure or a laugh with friends, which will help you manage that stress.