February 25, 2023
Why Decreasing Calories May be Hindering Your Progress in Shedding Pounds
Weight loss is a common goal for many and achieving it involves a combination of dietary choices, physical activity, and lifestyle considerations.
Most folks think cutting calories or hitting the gym is the way to go for weight loss. But the truth is, cutting calories can actually do more harm than good. It can weaken your immune system, give you brain fog, and make you a bear to be around (no joke!).
REASONS WHY YOU DECREASED CALORIES BUT AREN’T LOSING WEIGHT
UNDERESTIMATING CALORIC INTAKE
One common mistake is underestimating food intake. Even with a perceived reduction in calories, inaccuracies in tracking or underestimating portion sizes can lead to a smaller calorie deficit than intended.
IGNORING LIQUID CALORIES
Another factor you may be neglecting to account for is liquid calories. Beverages, especially sugary ones, can contribute significantly to overall calorie intake. Ignoring these liquid calories may hinder weight loss progress.
WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAU
A weight loss plateau can occur when the calories burned equal the calories consumed. Factors such as muscle loss, hormonal fluctuations, or water retention may contribute to this stalling of progress.
METABOLIC RATE ADJUSTMENTS
The body may adjust its metabolic rate in response to a sustained decrease in calorie intake. This adaptation can slow down weight loss, making it essential to periodically reassess and adjust caloric intake.
HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and inadequate sleep can impact weight loss efforts. These factors may contribute to the body holding onto weight despite a decrease in calorie consumption.
INCONSISTENT EXERCISE ROUTINE
Changes in the type or intensity of exercise can affect weight loss. If the exercise routine lacks balance, such as focusing solely on cardio or incorporating excessive calorie restriction, it may lead to muscle loss and hinder overall progress.
WATER RETENTION
Fluctuations in body water, such as water retention, can cause temporary weight gain. Hormonal fluctuations, menopause, and changes in diet can contribute to water retention.
HEALTH FACTORS
Underlying health conditions, medications, and food addiction can also play a role in hindering weight loss progress. It’s essential to consider these factors and consult with healthcare professionals if necessary.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Unrealistic expectations and impatience can impact weight loss efforts. It’s important to recognize that weight loss is a gradual process, and quick fixes or spot reduction strategies are not sustainable or healthy.
NON-SCALE MEASURES OF PROGRESS
Weight loss progress may not always be reflected on the scale. Consider other measures such as changes in body composition, waist circumference, and how clothes fit to get a more comprehensive assessment of success.
ONLY CUTTING CALORIES IS NOT THE ANSWER TO WEIGHT LOSS
POTENTIAL NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON HEALTH
Contrary to popular belief, a drastic reduction in calorie intake can have adverse effects on health. It may weaken the immune system, leaving the body more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
COGNITIVE IMPACT
Cutting calories might result in cognitive challenges, such as brain fog. The brain requires a steady supply of nutrients to function optimally, and a significant calorie deficit can impact cognitive performance.
MOOD AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Weight loss efforts centered solely on caloric restriction can also affect mood and interpersonal relationships. Extreme calorie deficits may lead to irritability and a lack of energy, making individuals challenging to be around.
HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE RESULTS
Sustainable weight loss is not just about the quantity of calories but the quality of nutrition. A holistic approach that emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, regular exercise, and overall well-being is crucial for long-term success.
BALANCING CALORIC INTAKE WITH NUTRIENT NEEDS
Instead of merely focusing on cutting calories, it’s essential to strike a balance that meets the body’s nutritional needs. This ensures not only weight loss but also overall health and vitality.
INDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY
Different individuals respond differently to calorie restriction, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Understanding one’s own body and adopting a personalized approach is key.
CONSIDERATION OF MENTAL HEALTH
Mental well-being is an integral part of any weight loss journey. Extreme caloric restriction can lead to feelings of deprivation and negatively impact mental health. A sustainable approach considers both physical and mental aspects.
LEAN BODY MASS – AN OVERLOOKED FACTOR IN WEIGHT LOSS
There’s a better, healthier approach to weight loss. The key to successful weight loss that most people miss is “lean body mass”. That’s the weight made up of your bones, muscles, and organs.
HOW LEAN BODY MASS HELPS IN WEIGHT LOSS
If you want to make it easy for your body to burn fat, you need more lean body mass. This is what will help you lose fat and keep it off in the long term.
HOW TO BUILD LEAN BODY MASS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
So, how do we do that? It’s simple, really. We start by increasing muscle. By building muscle, you’ll increase your metabolism. Your metabolism is like a measure of how many calories your body uses when you’re just lounging around. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even when you’re not working out.
And here’s a fun fact: a pound of muscle burns three times as many calories (and fat) as a pound of fat!
Now, keep in mind that body fat percentage and lean body mass are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to weight loss. There are three more things to address, which we’ll cover in our next email with the subject line “3 reasons why you STILL may not be losing body weight.”
But for now, if you’re ready to start building lean body mass, we’re here to help. Fill out this form for a complimentary evaluation and we’ll show you the roadmap we use to help our clients reach their ideal weight and keep it off with ease.
Talk soon,
Isaac & Bri
P.S. Don’t forget to request your evaluation here!
