"If I reduce my number of calories I can eat whatever I want that is labeled 'diet', 'low-fat', or 'fat-free'. Therefore, I should be losing weight and/or reducing body fat (with some moderate exercise). WHY is it NOT working??? Ugh, so frustrating!!!"
Does the above sound familiar? Perhaps you may have thought of some variation and are utterly frustrated by the thought of hopelessly retiring to not losing weight at all.
Why is it that when you reduce your number of calories you still don't lose weight?
The factor lies in not only how much of something you eat but what you eat as well!
As I have illustrated in previous posts about different nutrition topics (HFCS, carbohydrates, fat-free, etc) it's a matter of eating the right foods in the right amounts to trigger weight loss.
Simple example - which of the following would be better for you? A 1.88 ounce bag of full-fat original Lays potato chips OR the same sized portion of Baked Lays potato chips?
The common answer would be the latter - since the baked potato chips are lower in fat. But if you answered neither you are correct! White potatoes cause a spike in insulin triggering a fat storing hormone. (http://fitnessblackbook.com/dieting_for_fat_loss/high-insulin-levels-stop-fat-loss-and-cause-weight-gain/)
It's important to understand the mechanics of foods and how they play a role in weight gain/loss.
So what can I do? Any tips?
Pay attention to the type of carbohydrates you take in. For a refresher you may read an earlier post - (http://strawhatasif.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-carbs-bad-for-you-truth-about.html)
Aim to eat as much of minimally processed, unprocessed, and unrefined foods as possible.
Watch your intake of fats and aim to eat good ones rather than bad ones. (http://strawhatasif.blogspot.com/2011/01/skinny-on-fats.html)
Drink plenty of water! (http://strawhatasif.blogspot.com/2011/03/importance-of-hydration-drink-your.html)
Incorporate fitness into your lifestyle change for maximum results!
Lastly, I've gained many valuable lessons from experiences in my own lifestyle transformation. If you need ANY tips, please feel free to contact me!
Thanks for reading!
Further Reading:
Michi's Ladder - http://www.decidetostayfit.com/michis-ladder.pdf
Food Chart - http://www.thefoodchart.com/
- Asif Fasih
asiffasih@hotmail.com
