By fitlifemonthly 
When it comes to losing weight, you might think the answer is counting calories and eating less, but it’s not always that simple. Terry Fairclough, a personal trainer and co-founder of Your Body Programme, explains that while a calorie deficit might lead to shedding pounds, it doesn’t necessarily result in fat loss, which is often the main goal.
We’ve all known someone who tries to fit into their summer clothes by drastically cutting calories. While this may lead to weight loss, it’s often not from losing fat but from losing stored carbohydrates and water. In today’s world, many people consume more calories than needed, leading them to think that under-eating is the way to go. However, that can backfire by causing the body to hold onto fat and break down muscle protein instead.
Our bodies use carbohydrates as a source of energy. When we eat, our bodies convert carbs into glucose, which powers our cells. Any extra glucose gets stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. If you’re not eating enough, the body doesn’t tap into stored fat for energy but rather breaks down glycogen. Long-term calorie restriction can even slow your metabolism by reducing muscle proteins.
Including fats in your diet is essential because fats serve as a long-lasting energy source, more potent than carbs or proteins. During exercise, the body uses stored fat for energy. Cutting fat completely from your diet can leave you without the needed energy to exercise effectively and shed unwanted fat.
A highly restricted diet can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting key bodily systems like the immune and digestive systems, and even slowing down your metabolism. Health issues like fatigue, malnutrition, and hormone imbalances can arise. Not eating enough puts stress on the body, leading to increased cortisol levels, which can actually contribute to weight gain in the long run.
Stress impacts how your body stores fat, especially around the belly, and can interfere with thyroid hormone conversion, affecting metabolism. It can also impair digestion and nutrient absorption, which are crucial for healthy bodily functions and progress in fitness.
Sleep can also suffer from poor nutrition, as low blood sugar can trigger adrenaline release, waking you up and disrupting your rest. This affects your overall health, productivity, and can again contribute to gaining weight.
Experienced bodybuilders might cut calories to appear lean for competitions but know that increasing calories again afterward is crucial to maintaining health.
Ultimately, it’s important to consume the right balance of calories, proteins, carbs, and fats for your body type, goals, and activity levels. Your Body Programme was created to help people determine their nutritional needs based on personal factors, emphasizing a balanced, healthy approach to diet without harsh calorie restrictions. Understanding and applying these principles can keep you healthy, maintain a firing metabolism, and effectively lose fat.
Eating balanced meals with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats not only supports weight loss but also keeps you energized and nourished. Remember, you have just one body—treat it well.