Can My Dog Help Me Lose Weight?

Can My Dog Help Me Lose Weight?

Can dogs help people lose weight? Dogs are known for being loyal companions, but they also have many other talents that can benefit humans. One of these is helping us lose weight by keeping our metabolism high.

There's a good reason why dogs are considered a man's best friend. They are loyal and affectionate and make excellent companions. They will always be right by your side, and this is especially true when it comes to working out. Dogs need to stay active to stay healthy, which is excellent motivation to get you moving as well. 

Dogs add variety to your workout routine.

Working out at the gym is a great way to lose fat and build muscle, but it can get boring after a while. One of the best ways to stay motivated and keep moving towards your health and fitness goals is by adding variety to your routine. Trying out different activities will move your body differently and work out new muscle groups. This will help you see greater results even faster. By adding a dog into this routine, you can get out for walks, runs, and playtime in the park. These new activities will help enrich your life, boost your fitness levels, and make you and your pooch much happier and healthier. 

A dog will hold you accountable and keep you motivated.

Your dog needs to be walked every day, sometimes multiple times a day. This means that you must get up and get outside even when it's cold or rainy. Your dog also has an internal alarm clock that will wake you up each morning. This will help you get your daily steps in early, leaving the rest of the day free for other activities. An unexercised dog can lead to an unhappy dog. When your four-legged friend doesn't have the chance to burn off enough energy, they can become depressed, destructive, and even aggressive - all the more motivation to stay active with them. 

Dogs help reduce your stress levels. 

Spending time with your dog is an excellent way to reduce your stress levels. Your body responds physically by producing hormones whenever you experience negative emotions or confront challenging circumstances. Your current emotional state determines the specific hormones that are generated by your body. A hormone called cortisol is produced by the body when they are under stress. It has been demonstrated that pet owners experience lower cortisol levels under stressful situations than those who do not. For this reason, dogs are frequently employed as therapy animals to help in stressful situations. Cortisol is a hormone that can cause you to gain weight. When this chemical is too high, your body will begin to store fat, especially around the midsection. Spending time with your furry friend can help you keep these hormone levels as low as possible. 

The hormone oxytocin sometimes referred to as the "feel-good hormone," can uplift your mood and lessen stress. It arises organically when something makes you happy. Research shows that touching an animal increases oxytocin production, making people feel happier and less stressed. This demonstrates that spending time with your dog can help lift your mood, reduce your stress and make you feel better - all while helping you stay in shape. 

Dogs get you out of the house.

Sometimes we can feel unmotivated to leave the house. It is warm and dry, and we can find ways to keep ourselves busy inside without putting in the effort required to go outside. However, dogs need physical activity and bathroom breaks and therefore need to leave the house multiple times a day. As a dog owner, this allows you to get up and get active. You can use each of these outdoor excursions to increase your step count and burn excess calories. Take this time to walk your dog around the block, making it a win-win situation for both of you. You will get the fresh air and exercise your body needs to stay healthy and fit. 

Dogs are great workout buddies. 

If you want to smash your fitness goals and have fun while doing so, a workout buddy can help. Having someone to stay active with you will keep you motivated and make sure you get up and get moving, even if you don't necessarily feel like it. A dog can make the perfect workout buddy. They will remind you when it's time to get moving, won’t accept any of your excuses,  and can even help you meet other people in the neighborhood! 

How much exercise does a dog need?

Exactly how much exercise a dog needs has been the subject of much discussion. According to some, a dog must exercise for at least thirty minutes daily to remain healthy. While the exact amount of time may vary depending upon the breed, age, and size of the animal, there is no excuse not to strive for this thirty-minute goal. This exercise can be done all at once or broken up into multiple sessions throughout the day. If your dog is still showing signs of excess energy after their workout is over, it's a good indication that they may need more exercise to keep them happy and healthy. 

Most doctors recommend that people get at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day as well. This makes working out with your dog the perfect solution to getting yourself in shape while giving your dog all the activity they require as well. 

What are the best activities to do with your dog?

There are so many activities you can do with your dog that will help you and your pup stay fit and healthy. Consider trying out some of these:

• Walks around the neighborhood.

• Hiking on local trails and in conservation areas. 

• Jogging.

• Playtime at the park, dog park, or in the backyard. 

• Agility training. 

• Swimming. 

If you're looking for ways to keep fit and healthy, consider getting a dog as a companion. Not only will having a pet make you feel better, but it can also help you burn calories while you're out with them. Plus, dogs love to work out with us, and they will help you shed off any extra pounds! Your four-legged friends are loyal companions who love to play and exercise with their owners. This means you'll benefit from the activity when you walk your dog!

Another great way to stay fit and healthy is by making the appropriate changes to your diet. A meal plan service can help with this. Clean Eatz Kitchen specializes in preparing healthy meals that are ready to eat whenever you are. Plus, they cater to your specialized dietary needs. If you want to make healthy eating a part of your regular routine, visit Clean Eatz Kitchen today!