the F word: FAT

The F word: FAT

Let’s talk about the F word: FAT. Alright, okay. So, you’ve been really good and have been skipping the bikkies when they come round at the office? Maybe you’ve even been to the gym a few times in the past week, but for some reason, you’re not getting the results you want. It’s time to ask: What the fat? How do I keep it off?

Well, from my own digging and learning I have found a few different ways to approach the seemingly endless fight against body fat. You've probably heard the saying, “there's more than one way to skin a cat.” The same goes for burning fat. Some people count calories, some just start exercising to expend energy (which is what body fat is - stored energy that hasn't been used yet) and others just changed their diet. 

Now in my opinion the best way is to combine all three.

Now you're probably saying, "really Fabrice?” - Yup, really and I'll explain why. If you’re someone who’s just starting off, you should count calories so that you become aware of how much you consume daily. Knowing the number of calories you consume can help you along the way. Let's say you're a female who consumes 2,200 calories a day and you want to manage your weight. To do so you will need to put your body in a calorie deficit, which means consuming less calories than your daily intake. Having an intake of 2,200 calories if 2,200 is your maintenance (maintenance meaning your borderline between losing and gaining) will keep you where you are (no weight changes) but if you begin to decrease calories anywhere from 250-300, then you will begin to see change.   

Now you can keep decreasing calories or expend more energy by working out. If your anything like me, you love to eat, so expending more energy is probably your best bet. Remember, you don't want to go too low in calories, because who knows how low you'll have to go before hitting your goal. That is why I feel that counting calories in addition to expending energy are two very important methods. Counting so that you are aware of your daily intake and expending so that you don't have to go too low.

Exercise helps to strengthen bones, increases good cholesterol and decrease the amount of bad fats (LDL) in your body. Your heart muscles become stronger, allowing it to pump more regularly. You increase muscle mass on your body, your cardiorespiratory system improves, you have more energy and just feel better overall because your body is getting exactly what it needs. Remember, the human body does not want or need to be sedentary.

By now, everyone is probably aware of the countless benefits provided by exercise beyond simply losing weight, so of course, it’s also a great option for expending more energy. More so, when you engage in physical activity, whether it’s swimming, biking, dancing, weight training, hiking or running, you might find that you feel hungry more often than normal. Due to your physical activity, you will require more calories simply to sustain your body enough macro and micronutrients.

If you need any help book an appointment with Rochelle, our Dietician.

See you in the club.

Fabrice Moreau, Habit Majestic Club Manager