Fat Facts
For anyone who has tried to lose weight, get in shape or simply lean out, it goes without saying that it’s easier said than done. There’s so much conflicting information out there on what you should and shouldn’t eat. Understanding what is ‘good’ and ‘bad’ for you are just as hard as actually sticking to a new diet regime.
Confusing information aside, you have to be consistent with your goal and consistently stick to your plan, day in, day out. There will be tough times as weight loss is as much of a mental challenge as it is physical. You will need to persevere when the going gets tough and be able to celebrate the small wins you achieve along the way. Staying consistent and staying motivated to persevere will not be possible without being determined to want to reach your goal. Remember not to beat yourself up, building a positive relationship with food and having balance in your diet is important. If there is any rule to go by, then it's to not compromise your health for fat loss.
Despite what you’ve been told, if you can apply the below tips into your daily nutrition plan, you’ll be well on the way to a healthier you.
Leave the ‘magic, fat blasting’ pills in the fancy packaging on the shelf. Fat burners don’t work unless you do. Save yourself the cash and invest it into good quality, fresh food produce instead. There is no magic pill that will blast the fat off you without you having to change your current eating patterns and lifestyle.
Real food will get you real results. I’m talking fruit, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, good quality oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and all things wholefoods related. The majority of food in your diet should come from a natural source. Avoid processed foods and sugar as they are harder to digest and breakdown. Processed foods are usually loaded with sugars and trans fats and end up being stored as fat rather than utilized for energy and bodily functions.
Eat fat to burn fat. By this I mean good fats like avocados, natural, unsalted nuts and seeds, good quality oils like coconut oil and olive oil. Fat is a macronutrient that does wonderful things for the body like assisting with hormone function and production. Let me tell you, trying to loose weight with hormones that aren’t functioning properly is near impossible. Not only that, foods that are ‘fat free’ or ‘Lite’ may be lower in calories but are higher in sugar, chemicals and highly processed. So the low calorie thing is virtually cancelled out by hidden sugars.
Make carbohydrates your friend. Just like fats, carbohydrates are a macronutrient that the body relies heavily on. Carbs convert to glycogen, which is the body’s main energy source. Your body needs energy to burn off excess body fat. Consume carbohydrate sources like basmati rice, sweet potato, oats, quinoa and legumes.
Swap out sugar for vegetables. A diet high in vegetable in-take is a diet high in nutrients. Your body needs nutrients to function at its best. Ditch sugar loaded foods and replace them with veggies. You’ll feel so much better for it and your waistline will thank you for it. Try swapping out your biscuits and chocolate at 3pm for carrot and celery sticks dipped in hummus.
Preparation is key.
In order to stay consistent and keep on track, you need to be organised and prepared. This means planning ahead, preparing meals and snacks in advance and knowing what you’re going to be eating each day.
Lastly, always take advice from a professional. Prevent getting confused by reaching out and seeking advice from someone who knows and understands health and nutrition. If you would like to know more about the ins and outs of weight loss, improving your health and lifestyle as well as consuming a more practical and realistic diet, email me at latoya@lwnutrition.com.au