Why You Could Be Sabotaging Your Fitness Goals, And Not Know It!

Here is something that most of you will have heard of - the only way you can lose weight is simply "move more, and eat less". On paper it seems a simple equation, if I consume less calories than what I need and / or I burn more calories through exercise than I consume, weight loss will happen.

The problem is that this approach has been done by so many people and yet they ultimately fail at achieving this goal. So why does this happen?

Well to a certain extent you will see some progress but as the calorie deficit increases (normally due to a coach / dietitian / nutritionist / PT) putting their client in that position, is that the body will slow down when it comes to their metabolism.

Think of it like this, if you have ever found yourself in the position where there is more month left than money in the bank, what do you do? You slow down your spending.

Your body is no different, and some studies suggest that as much as 23% reduction in the calories burnt when in an extreme calorie deficit. And with this your perceived lack of progress starts to present itself.

In this scenario you are left with 2 options, firstly, decrease the calories you consume, but at this point you are already feeling the stress both physically and mentally of eating a low amount of calories and you are starting to feel hungry all the time, so that is not really an option. The second option is to increase the amount of exercise that you do. The problem with that is that you are already at the max of what you can do in terms of exercise, and again, even if you could do more, you don't want to do anymore.

This leaves you in a situation where you cannot / do not want to do more on either side of the equation.

Your body at this point is going to only allow energy to be utilised on the most vital functions, and this is going to have a profound impact on other aspects of your health. For instance, non-essential functions such as hair growth, skin regeneration, and even cognitive functions can be compromised as the body conserves energy. This physiological state is often referred to as 'starvation mode', where the body clings to every calorie it can in an effort to survive. This not only halts your weight loss progress but can also lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, depression, and a weakened immune system.

A more effective approach to weight loss starts with seeing food as fuel for your body, rather than just calories to be cut. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, you can ensure your body gets the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally, while naturally supporting your metabolism. Pair this with regular physical activity that you enjoy and can maintain, and you'll build a sustainable routine that enhances your overall well-being. Instead of drastic measures, think of gradual adjustments that fuel your body and promote long-term health. To dive deeper into why fueling your body is a more efficient approach to weight loss, visit the following link: Why 'Eat Less, Move More' Fails: The Flawed Weight Loss Formula and learn how to make these positive changes today.