If looking to make a dramatic change in your weight loss journey, walking may not be the first activity that comes to mind.  When someone decides to lose weight, they might start right off with running or weight training.  Don't overlook fast-paced walking paired with a healthy diet.

Walking and healthy nutrition can be a very effective tool for weight loss.  Making small steps can have a huge impact on overall health, reducing the risk of heart disease and depression.  You might think to yourself, I go for a walk every day and have never seen any results.  Well, look at your speed, think power walking not window shopping. 

Change your pace for one that is more challenging than normal and you will start to see small changes.  Another positive aspect of walking at a fast pace, it's easier on your joints than running!  Your body and brain already know what to do when walking.  Make it more challenging by activating your abs, pulling in your belly button towards your spine will trigger good posture and engage your core muscles.  Squeeze your glutes, the backside of your body, to propel yourself forward.  When you engage your glutes, you can walk longer and faster.

4 Fast Ways to Burn More Fat:

• Add Hills.  Whether on your treadmill or in your neighborhood, increase your caloric burn by nearly 20% with just a 5% incline.
• Find a Dirt Road. If you go off-road for a hike or change of scenery, you'll burn a few extra calories by stabilizing your balance on uneven roads and trails.
• Work Your Arms.  Keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and fists swinging at your side, will help drive you forward and help build upper body strength while increasing your burn.  
• Keep Long Strides. Don't focus on the number of steps, but rather the length of your stride.  The more ground you cover in stride, the more calories burned.  

Jump-start your weight loss journey with these simple steps.  Whenever starting a new workout regime it's always a good idea to start small and build a routine rather than trying to do everything at once.  Sustainable change is made slowly.