Health And Fitness

HEALTH AND FITNESS Fat Loss or Weight Loss?

The world of dieting is all so confusing. Ido this for aliving andI often findmyself astounded by crazy claims and misconceptions about something thatisultimately quite straight forward.

One of thebiggest thorns in my side is the term “Weight Loss.”Iamsure you have all heard the claims that Terry from down the road lost half astone in oneweek or Sandra from accounts lost 16lbs in amonth whilst you are there trying to feel content with your 1lb scale nudge after aweek of tracking your calories and getting adequate exercise. Please allow me to put you at ease and let you know what’s actually happening with those supposed super dieters.

Weight loss is not fat loss and although losing actual body weight is aperfect start if you have asubstantial amount to lose for health reasons etc, it’s not all going to be actual body fat. Those crazy weight loss numbers you read about will include some body fat but will also include things like water weight and glycogen storage. Body weight can actually fluctuate 5to7lbs in one day depending on what you have eaten because of these factors. So in reality they would have lost some body fat which is amazing. But not 16lbs worth in amatter of weeks.

So what’s the big issue if they are still losing body fat? The issue is sustainability. Sustainability is the main driving force behindany health or body transformation andtohave that we need lots of consistency and motivation.

When you step on the scales and see abig weight loss you feel motivated to keep pushing but after awhile the drops dwindle and with it your motivation to carry on. Before you know it you plato and moreoften than not stop completely. Does this sound familiar?

So what should you do? Leave the scales, or at least take the readings with apinch of salt. Right now youneed to rummage through your sewing tin or pop off to the local haberdashery and get yourself atailor’stape measure, apen andsome paper.

Iamgoing to show you the simple four point measuring system that takes just afew minutes andcan be done every three to four weeks. People generally storebody fat on the stomach, hips, arms and legs. It can be stored on the chest too but we are keeping this unisex, feel free to throw in achest measurementthoughifyou like. These are the problem areas thatpeoplegenerally want to improve on. So why do we not face them directly and really see what’s happening?

Each measuringsession you will take ameasurement directly around your belly button, thefattest part of your hips, chunkiest section of your upper leg andbiggest part of your upper arm. Make sure you keepthe limbson the same side each timeand don’t pull thetape too tight. You are onlylying to yourself. Write allthese measurements down and watch them drop as you consistently follow the all important calorie deficit and aroutinethat allows for more physical activity.

I’ve seen changes of 0.5 to 3inches in amatter of weeks depending on how much body fat is in that particular area. It’s so much more exciting and motivating than standing on ascale.

Justrememberthat body fat will come offfrom multiple places but not always the part you want straight away. You may find drastic changes on your legs but nothingonyourbelly button just yet. That’s completely normal, just give your body time to get to that area anditwill happen.

Would you care how much you weighed if you had body confidence and felt amazing? No. So don’tthink about weight loss. Think about fat loss and finally use the tools that will help you to get the results that you want.