Undisputed Strength Co April | Page 27

DECEMBER 2016 programs do we have to give into? The fact of the matter is, people relate weight loss to slashing calories dramatically and doing excessive amounts of cardio. With this restrictive mentality and process, however, all you really get is ravenous hunger, uncontrollable cravings, and a slower metabolism. Think about this for a second – when your car is low on fuel, you, the driver, take certain measures to make the most out of the fuel you have. You take it easier on the gas pedal, you coast down hills and you keep your eyes peeled for the nearest gas station. When your body is low in fuel, it does the same thing that you do to your car. When less calories are coming in because you’re “dieting,” your body sees no reason to keep firing on all cylinders. Like you, it adjusts to low fuel by slowing things down. Your body will even tell your thyroid gland to slow down your metabolism. That’s exactly the opposite of what your body should be doing to lose fat! This metabolic slow-down is why the friend who is eating only 900 calories a day can’t lose a single pound. Her metabolism will make the proper survival adjustments based on reduced “That is why the friend that is eating nearly 900 calories a day can't lose a pound." calories, slowing so much that anything beyond her rice cakes and hour long cardio sessions will make her actually gain weight very quickly. If you start to eat half as much food, you get half as much nutrients, and your body goes haywire. Your hormones get out of balance, you have trouble sleeping, you have no sex drive, depression strikes, and you can’t even think properly. Your brain needs nutrients to survive, and when your body is deprived of them, you could be jeopardizing your health. If you want a maintainable weight loss plan with sustainable results, then your choice of diet must reflect your lifestyle. Reducing your calorie intake is not the answer. Restriction is not the answer. Finding your balance and feeling confident in life shouldn’t be short term. Taking it slower by learning how to eat for your body type will actually get you there faster in the long run. Eat more food, lose more weight and enjoy the ride. Wr itten by Gianna Buscemi