"W" Is For Weight

Yeah, the word we think about and dread most when it comes to our fitness: WEIGHT. Ugh.

Did you read the recent (and very compelling) article in the Huffington Post titled “Everything You Know About Obesity Is Wrong?” If you get a chance to check it out, I encourage you to read it….it’s pretty eye-opening. It’s no surprise that the notion of “diets don’t work” made an appearance in the article more than once. Real and lasting weight loss, friends, is difficult to achieve. Even after losing weight, the body usually rebels, and sets up a cascade of processes in order to get back to that higher weight….and our bodies have the means to make it happen. It’s biological….practically barbaric.

The truth is that the majority of people who come to see me have one common goal in mind. Yes, they want better health, more energy, a meal plan…..but for most, the desire of their hearts is to lose weight. They long for the body of their past….or the one they dream of in their future. The body they are currently living in is simply unacceptable, in their eyes.

For years, I’ve been preaching that slow and steady wins the race….but that’s not very sexy, right? I mean, in a world where we can get what we want in the blink of an eye, why should our weight loss goals be any different? If “diet” “X, Y, or Z” promises 10 pounds gone in 2 weeks, why in the world would we not jump on that bandwagon??

There is much science to prove the fact that our bodies do not like change. They do not want to maintain a calorie deficit; they do not want to be told “no.” Our bodies have survival in mind, and anything that presents itself as an enemy to that notion will be challenged. When we begin to lose weight, our bodies sense a threat. They go into overdrive to prevent more weight from being lost….and to recapture previously lost weight. It’s war….and we are the casualties left with rumbling tummies, unstable blood sugar, and HANGRY hormones surging through our bodies with the force of an army. It’s like we are performing a never ending juggling act—forever trying to manage hunger, cravings, and the need to create a caloric deficit.

All hope is most certainly not lost…..we just have to outsmart our bodies. Here are 3 places to start the process, and to keep as tools in your wellness belt:

BREAK UP WITH SUGAR: I wrote ALL about this in a past blog post, so if you want the tools to kick your sugar addiction to the curb, and start burning FAT as your body’s fuel source, scroll back a few post and read “Breaking up With Sugar.”

LIFT HEAVY WEIGHTS: Developing lean muscle mass is like making deposits into your fitness bank. When you work your muscles to the point of breakdown, you not only burn calories, but you elevate your resting metabolism, balance your blood sugar, balance your hormone levels, and burn more calories for up to 72 hours after a heavy lifting session. Gals, as we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density. THE way to get it back (and de-age) is through weight lifting. You want a strong, sexy body? Lift weights.

CONSUME FAT-BURNING FOODS: Cayenne pepper, chia seeds, organic pastured chicken, coconut oil, green leafy veggies, grass-fed beef, green tea, and apple cider vinegar all top the list for the most effective fat-burning foods. Although each food boasts its’ own super-fat-burning credentials, suffice it to say: if you add these foods into your weekly regime, you will reap the benefits. Like with anything else, consistency over time is the key.

In Good Health,

Lori Z.