How to Drop the Pounds
Hi Readers,
It seems like a common goal of many Americans to loose weight and keep it off. It also seems to be a common trend and vicious cycle of loosing and gaining weight (sometimes for years). So what’s the trick? How come some people are successful and some aren’t so successful at loosing weight?
For those of you who have worked with me on nutrition, you know my views and beliefs on “dieting.” First off, I hate the word diet so I try not to use it. When I introduce someone to meal planning, I like to call it a nutrition program that will lead to a lifestyle change. Having goals to change your physique is NEVER something that should be quick. It takes time for the body to adapt to change and actually, the longer it takes the more likely it will stay off!
So what’s the trick to training the body to decrease body fat, increase lean muscle, increase energy levels and keep it all functioning like this for the long haul? Hate to break it to you, it’s not just a quick and easy answer but I’ll let you in on my general view of weight loss.
I don’t count calories for any nutrition client, EVER. Why? Because every calorie is NOT created equally. 100 calories from chocolate will break down completely differently in the body than 100 calories from chicken (for example). So how do I measure progress? Through macro nutrient monitoring. The body breaks down food either in a macro or micro nutrient way. Macros consist of fats, proteins, carbs and water. Micros are vitamins and minerals. The body works most efficiently when it has the right equation of all things combined. Now everyone is different and one persons macros are typically different than another persons. It takes some trial and error but once you find the right equation, you’ll be beyond impressed with the results.
So what’s the take away? Make sure you’re eating enough fats, carbs and protein during the day. Carbs give you energy so use them early in the morning and around your workouts. Fats are more condensed, so be conscious of how much you consume. Protein is a building block for lean muscle mass, so eat up!
Curious to know what your macro nutrient breakdown should be for your body type and your physique goals? Email me at cwphysique@gmail.com and I’ll help you.
In good health,
Cristina