A group of my colleagues are currently engaged in a weight-loss challenge. Although I do not subscribe to "Biggest Loser" type approaches nor a focus solely on weight loss, I admire them for their commitment and wish all great success. Early in their program they are inundated with recommendations on quick fix diets and supplements and all kinds of well intended morsels of advice and factoids. I share today's blog post with all in the hopes that it can simplify your journey and the choices that confront you.
As more and more information abounds on healthy eating, even basic nutrition facts can become confusing. While most of us understand that a healthy lifestyle is based on a healthy diet and exercise, it can be difficult to navigate how food facts are applied to daily living. One thing is certain, you can't just pluck out one little morsel of factoid (like citrus can help muscle result during training or calcium is a productive supplement during weight loss). Although both tidbits of information have some literature and application to support them, neither can stand on their own in the midst of other non-productive behaviors.
Although weight-loss may come from reducing the number of calories we take in, it is not all just about calories in and calories out - content matters. We can all accept that 1800 calories of just one thing, whether sugar or protein or fat or whatever wouldn't produce a long-term healthy, sustainable result. Evidence also demonstrates that we can restrict our caloric intake too low for too long (much literature suggests that extremely reduced calorie diets - say less than 1000 - 1200 calories per day) cannot be sustained for more than one week without slowing down metabolism. And when metabolism slows down, the body starts to hold onto all of its calories and weight loss stalls or stops entirely. Calories equal energy to our bodies and we need a certain amount of productive calories for the body to function well.
I subscribe to eating whole food, in correct portions. Smaller, more frequent meals and snacks that include something from each nutrition group (protein, healthy carbohydrate, healthy fat, fruits & vegetables) in each meal or snack. Buy more of your food from the produce and fresh portions of the market and less processed or prepared foods. Take the time to explore tastes, recipes, and unbiased sources for things you like. Have fun with the exploration because you are looking for things that you will enjoy as a permanent part of your new lifestyle - not just as a short-term "suffering" for weight loss. Read the darn labels (both the "Nutrition Facts" and ingredients) to understand portion and content in your choices.
Find some qualified, objective sources that are not selling products to help you navigate the constant stream of information and design a comprehensive plan that fits you. Good luck to all. I know you can succeed and enjoy the journey along the way.
barbarajlaird.zumba.com
gettingfitwithbj@gmail.com
