Fat Loss vs Weight Loss

So many people ask me what is the best "weight" loss program. Well, just about any fad diet can give you "weight" loss. Starving yourself will result in "weight" loss and there are, of course, lots of pills (hydroxycut, alli) who guarantee "weight" loss. But let's look at what you're losing.

Dieting in the traditional sense (calorie or food restriction, pills, meal replacement) slows your metabolism, throws your body into fat storage mode and pretty much makes you cranky and unpleasant to be around. You may lose "weight" but, at best (!?) this is water loss and on the down side is muscle loss. If your body thinks you're starving it will store everything (yes, even broccoli and boiled chicken) as FAT and break down muscle for energy. And of course, it's muscle that dictates metabolism!!

This is why diet after diet we lose weight only to gain it back (and more). Muscle weighs more than fat so losing 20lbs in muscle and gaining back 20lbs of fat will look like 40lbs on you. That's why often as we get older (and have dieted more) our weight may be the same on the scale, but our clothes have gone up a size or two.

Don't be deceived by "weight" loss promises - you need to lose fat and build muscle for permanent body composition changes. Don't rely on the scale - it can be deceptive! Instead, take your measurements (bust, waist, hips, thighs, upper arm and calf) and aim to lose inches! This is more reflective of fat/muscle ratio.

Of course, the best way to build muscle is through exercise! And you don't have to make it a second career! Walk for 30-60 minutes twice a day and do 30 minutes of resistance training 3 times a week. In addition, don't skip meals, drink lots of water, keep stress to a minimum and stick to eating low to medium GI foods. You know, like the Transitions Lifestyle System!

Be Well!!