Weight loss is a complex topic often laden with misconceptions. Many of my clients initially name weight loss as a top desire and primary motivating factor for working out. But if your end goal is an arbitrary number on a scale, you will likely have trouble staying motivated. Furthermore, you may inadvertently head down a path toward decreased health and weight gain. If you can begin to view weight loss as a side benefit rather than an end goal, your journey to health and happiness will be much more successful.
“You need to be healthy to lose weight, not lose weight to be healthy.” – Dr. Schwarzbein, Thyroid Health and Weight Loss Specialist
Weight Loss Does Not Necessarily Lead to Better Health
There is a common belief that weight loss results in increased health. However, this line of logic is misleading and overly simplistic. In the pursuit of weight loss, you may be depriving your body of the very nourishment it needs to become healthy. Starvation through caloric restriction causes vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as poor metabolism. Thus inappropriate nutrition and weight loss leads to greater imbalance in body composition, decreased health, and further weight gain.
Nourish Your Body, Don’t Starve It
Simply “eating less” or reducing your caloric intake is not a good solution. Instead of starving your body, nourish it with a healthy diet such as one that is high in fruit and whole foods. The key to achieving healthy weight loss is to feed the body what it needs to reduce stress and create systematic balance. Stop counting calories and start eating foods with the nutrients needed to produce a healthy and balanced metabolism.
Beware of the Yo-Yo Effect
Don’t be discouraged by initial fluctuations in weight. As you shift to a healthier and more nutritious diet and your body creeps out of the stress-driven state, you may gain a little weight. But be careful not to fall back into a trap of inappropriate dieting and caloric restriction, for this leads to a vicious cycle known as the yo-yo effect, which can wreak havoc on your body. Focus on getting healthy—not skinny—and nourish your body with patience and consistency to achieve the best results.
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