Trying to lose weight by counting calories and eating less might not be the best approach, according to Terry Fairclough, a top personal trainer and co-founder of Your Body Programme. He’s heard many different opinions on diets for weight loss, raising questions like whether we should count calories, go for low-fat, low-carb, or high-protein diets, or even fast. While all these methods might fit various body types, goals, and activity levels, over-restricting your diet isn’t advisable.
People often think under-eating is the key to shedding pounds, which isn’t true. Cutting calories drastically might result in weight loss but not necessarily fat loss, which is what most people are after. Our diets today often exceed necessary intake, so a slight calorie reduction helps only to balance previous overeating.
When we eat, carbohydrates break down into glucose, a sugar that fuels our cells. When not all glucose is used, it gets stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver, including water molecules. Cutting calories typically eliminates this stored glucose and water rather than the fat we wish to burn. Persistent calorie restriction can lead the body to conserve fat and use protein instead, slowing down metabolism and negatively affecting muscle health.
Consuming the right amount of calories, including fats, carbs, and proteins, is crucial. Fats, despite their reputation, are vital as they provide long-lasting energy and are easily accessed during exercise. A long-term deficit in calories and nutrients might lead to health issues like fatigue, malnutrition, and hormonal imbalances, impacting general well-being and metabolism.
Going too far with calorie restrictions stresses the body by releasing cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to short-term weight loss but long-term fat gain, especially around the belly. This stress also affects digestion and nutrient absorption, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and health.
Even sleep suffers from poor eating habits, as hormonal imbalances caused by low blood sugar can disrupt rest, affecting overall health and productivity. Bodybuilders often cut calories to get lean but must increase them post-competition to avoid health issues.
Ultimately, it’s essential to consume the right mix of calories, carbs, fats, and proteins tailored to individual needs. Terry Fairclough’s Your Body Programme helps guide people to understand their nutritional needs based on body type and lifestyle. By maintaining a balanced diet, you can stay healthy and keep your metabolism active. This involves including lean proteins, healthy carbs from fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats from sources like avocado and nuts.
Terry emphasizes that eating more calories can help in losing fat by keeping your body nourished and metabolism efficient. So, aim for a balanced approach that feeds your body the nutrients it needs without unnecessary restrictions.
