If you’re trying to lose weight, the common advice is to count calories and eat less. However, Terry Fairclough, a top personal trainer and co-founder of Your Body Programme, challenges this approach. As someone who has heard various debates about the best diet for weight loss, from calorie counting and low-fat diets to intermittent fasting and frequent small meals, he advises against undereating.
It’s a common misconception that significantly restricting calories will lead to effective weight loss. While it might cause weight loss, it often results in losing water and carbohydrates instead of fat, which is what most people aim to shed. This approach can lead the body to conserve fat and break down protein instead.
The Western diet often involves overeating, leading many to think that cutting calories drastically is the solution. However, this isn’t necessary for losing weight. When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into glucose, which fuels your cells. If not immediately needed, the body stores glucose as glycogen, which holds water. Reducing calories mainly reduces glycogen and water, not fat.
Your body needs a balanced intake of calories from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Fats are crucial because they provide the most energy per gram. They are a reliable source of fuel, especially during exercise, as they break down into fatty acids that power muscles.
Undereating can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting overall health, including the immune system, metabolism, and digestive health. This can result in fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and even fertility issues. Stress, from a calorie deficit, raises cortisol levels, causing your body to store fat and slow metabolism. This stress can also disrupt sleep, impacting overall health and productivity.
In extreme cases, relentless calorie cutting harms metabolism, making weight loss increasingly difficult. Achieving healthy weight loss requires consuming the right balance of nutrients based on individual body types, activity levels, and goals. Programs like Your Body Programme can help determine personal calorie needs.
Emphasizing a nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and fats is crucial for maintaining energy and health. Eating balanced meals supports your metabolism and promotes fat loss without compromising well-being.
Terry Fairclough, a co-founder of Your Body Programme, emphasizes the importance of eating enough and choosing the right nutrients to achieve your weight and fitness goals effectively.
