Some Words on Fat Loss
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Fat loss is a goal for many, yet something people are feeling ashamed to talk about these days. In the interest of self-love and body positivity, it is in many circles considered taboo to discuss wanting to lose weight or lose fat.
But you can simultaneously want to change your body, while accepting your body.
After all, bodies change anyway. They are always changing. It’s whether or not we want to get behind the wheel and steer that change in a certain direction that is the question. And when we do, let’s unpack WHY we may want it steered in the fat loss or weight loss direction:
Most people when asked why they want to lose weight will answer “to look better and feel better.” Both of these things are outcomes of fat loss, when there is excess fat to lose. But my question about the look better part is “look better for WHO?”
If the answer is for you, because when you like what you see for yourself you will feel better aligned, more aesthetically pleased and more confident… those are all fair reasons. If the answer is for anything or anyone external, the problem with that is it could feel pressurized which often times ends up feeling terrible in the process. And, for a process to be sustainable, it should not feel terrible. It should feel progressive and supportive.
Losing weight to feel better is always valid. If there is excess fat to lose and one wants to lose it, it can result in more energy, a brighter mood, balanced hormones — and a very important one — ease of movement. Because when it is difficult to move around and perform activities such as looking after children, playing sports, or even just walking, that becomes a big and negative distraction that often results in extra stress. Even if it’s subconscious.
{I would like to be clear that even if you have excess fat to lose, it does not mean you have to want to lose it. All sizes and percentages of body fat can have a bursting-with-happiness, fulfilled life. It is simply if you are feeling held back either by confidence, a feeling of incongruence in your physical vessel or by that of comfort / health concerns.}
If you are decided that you would like to lose some excess fat because you are lacking confidence, uncomfortable and in pain, or just not feeling quite like yourself and at your best, you can start here.
When you put your meals together, choose your protein and produce first. Then add healthy fats. Finally, add healthy starches when you feel you need them. (If you have trouble knowing what foods belong in what categories, stay tuned because I’ll be composing a guide to help you.)
Move more. Both leisurely activity and higher heart rate activity count. Just add MORE. It can be 5, 10, 15 minutes at a time. Week by week, make sure you are moving your body around more than before.
Commit to exercise like you commit to brushing your teeth. You can’t just skip several days and get all clogged up. Maintenance is part of the life program. Accepting that will make the lifestyle changes a lot easier.
Strength training. It’s probably the most bang for buck thing to add in for fat loss. Building lean muscle tissue improves your health in every single way, makes you want to move even more, makes you want to eat better, helps you sleep better, supports your hormones… It’s the best thing you can do for your life.
Stay hydrated. Start your day with two glasses of water to replenish thirsty cells, and keep them flushed with water throughout the day. Half your bodyweight (lbs) in ounces every day is a good guideline.
Although I’ve tried to simplify this approach, I understand implementation can be complicated. I excel at helping clients fit these factors into their specific lifestyles and at working through the obstacles that can pop up.
I want you well. Reach out if you ever need the help.
