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Eat more to lose...

Posted by Cara Busson Clark on Feb 6th 2012

This doesn't make sense to a lot of people...especially girls!

Most ladies that I have worked with have a difficult time escaping the trend of restricting calories. This is unfortunate because calorie restriction leads to lethargy, headaches, cravings, bad feelings and risk of health problems from nutrition deprivation. Most of all it leads to poor adherence!

I tell my clients that when they restrict, yes, they will become a smaller version of yourself. BUT, your body composition will not change and you will be burning calories from fat burning muscle instead of fat. This is dangerous because it could change the chemistry of your body and also lead to inconsistency.

First, figure out your nutritional needs. Are you a highly active person? Do you have a sedentary lifestyle? How much do you want to lose or do you just want to maintain? (this is where a professional is helpful). Personally, at 140 lbs, I need around 2000 calories to keep up with my active lifestyle and breastfeeding. On average, most girls need from 1600-1800.

Second, Implement a meal plan that is easy to maintain for your lifestyle. Never, ever let 4 hours pass by without eating because this will send your body into starvation mode and will effect your glucose levels. Eating frequently and healthily will keep your body burning undesired fat all day long. Always eat breakfast..combining a healthy, lean protein(eggs is an obvious choice) with a carb(oatmeal and fruit is also an obvious choice).

Next, plan for the afternoon crash and avoid it!! This is when a lot of professional adults tend to make the big mistake of relying on something from a machine or large coffee, sugar-loaded drink. Lunch is easy to remember, but don't forget 3-4 o'clock comes on fast and hard. Think ahead of time and stock up on some trail mix or something quick an easy that you can even snack on at your desk.

Finally, fill your plate with lots of quality foods...colors are key! Use lots of colors. Statistics show we enjoy eating quantity, so do just that by filling up with loads of healthy foods that are lower calories, like veggies and fruits. Always choose a good complex carb, like legumes, sweet potato, brown rice, quinoa..etc..etc..etc.

Make your diet a non diet by keeping it unique. Make it your own. Have fun with it. Use your grandma's recipes and revise them!!

If this still doesn't make sense to you, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Many blessings,

Cara