Most people have the idea that to lose weight all that’s needed is eating less and exercising more. We can’t blame those who think this; it’s something we all have at one point or another. It’s ingrained into our society, highlighted across billboards, TV screens, and magazines—pretty much any form of media. This myth is deep-rooted and keeps coming back time and time again.
The truth is, you don’t always have to eat less to lose weight. Even more shocking is the fact that sometimes, losing weight means eating more. In an article by Ana Tester, she discusses the consequences of this myth and provides methods to lose weight the right way.
Get educated
We usually assume that fewer pounds means less fat, but that is not always the case. Tester writes that the lower number on the scale could be a result of muscle mass, rather than fat loss when you’re eating too little. This can also slow your metabolism, leading to burnout and less energy to complete your workouts. What’s needed is a focus on proper nutrition.
You should know how many calories you consume on a daily basis. Tester says that oftentimes coaches will see that their clients aren’t getting results despite consuming 1,200-1,300 calories a day. If your caloric intake is already very low, creating a deficit will create more problems because the average human needs a certain amount of calories to make it through the day. She writes that when dropping caloric intake too much, most of the calories consumed will be routed to essential survival functions, which can lead to things like fatigue and even hair loss.
Work with a trainer
When we say eating less is not always the way to lose weight, that doesn’t mean you can eat anything you want. Work with a trainer who knows what proper nutrition looks like, specifically for you. Eating more calories can help you remain active and accelerate your metabolism, but this won’t happen if you’re loading up on pizza and candy every day.
When working with a knowledgeable trainer, they can also tell you when to adjust your caloric intake. Tester writes that at this time, your coach (trainer) will lock in your progress by imposing a short maintenance period to help your metabolism increase. You’ll then be able to implement the “eat less, move more” tactic, which will work this time.
Losing weight is a tricky process when every other website and blogger disagrees on the best method. That’s why it’s important to speak with someone who cares about your long-term health, not just a number on the scale.
