By The gym plays a small part in your weight loss
Eighty per cent of your results lie in the food you eat during every meal. Many eons ago, I spent hours and hours in the gym for years, killing myself with cardio and always wondering why my body didn’t change. Then I started to train with weights, I changed — but nothing too significant. I wanted to be lean and muscular. But, it seemed like no matter how much I smashed it at the gym, I would never get the results I wanted. So, was I doomed for looking less than the best I could be? It wasn’t until I started to train for bodybuilding competitions that I realised how important diet was. After that, I did a complete turnaround of what I was eating. I haven’t deviated since. Before my journey, I’d be eating toast and cereal for breakfast; lunch would be pasta or rice with some protein form — maybe some salad. Dinner would be meat or some sort with veggies. It was so long ago that I can’t even remember it! But what I know for sure is that I ate complete rubbish! Some nights, I would sit in bed and munch on some potato chips. I would sit there mindlessly eating some BBQ, Salt or Chicken flavoured chips. Although, when I think about it now, I actually can’t believe it! Whatever possessed me to do this, I will never know, but I guess when your partner is a junk food addict, it kind of rubs on you a bit too. When I sit and think about all my junk food binges, I become very disappointed in myself. I don’t know how I could have expected to be ripped — let alone healthy, given that kind of nutritional conditioning! I was once one of those people who thought they could out-train a lousy diet. I would then blame the gym for not giving me results. The gym does works for many people — it all starts with what food you eat and what kind of exercises you do. Marathon runners will require different training than someone who is transforming their body shape. It’s a real shame that people automatically assume that running or long duration cardio is the key to weight loss. It’s not the key to weight loss. The key to weight loss is diet. It always has been, and it always will be. The key to strengthening your body, building muscle, and maximising your metabolism’s efficiency for life — is weight training. The key to eliminating stubborn body fat is HIIT. Here are some fast-tracking hacks you should know.
Five fast-acting hacks to weight loss
One: Try intermittent fasting
Fasting is a fast-acting weight-loss hack, and you can use it for life. Fasting is something you want to do regularly, and it won’t be hard when you start seeing the results. All it takes is skipping one or two meals a day. That’s how simple it is — but not easy in the beginning! Although, it’s worth sticking to.
Two: Be aware of portions
Even if you are fasting, you still have to be mindful of your portions and eating. Excess protein will be stored as fat. Same deal with other macronutrients. To find out how much you need for your body type, search for a macro calculator online, or do what I do — use your hand as a gauge of how much protein (palm), carbs (fist) and fats (top of index finger) you should consume. That makes it a little easier and a lot less obsessive.
Three: Eat whole foods — forget processed options for convenience —
Always do your best to eat REAL foods that will eventually spoil over time. Ever noticed anything from junk food stores spoil? Negative! Cook from home is your best option. I know; it’s time-consuming and probably laborious for some. But think of the long term gain — from a small thing you can do over your weekend. Put the nourishment of your body first and foremost. As I always say, your health is your wealth. Low Carb Lentil & Zucchini PastaGet something a little different on your platea-dimos.medium.com
Four: Drink lots of water — most people don’t drink enough! I
I have a wonderful friend who somehow manages to survive on 500ml per day and forgets to top up her bottle. I do not recommend this! Being dehydrated makes you feel tired, gives you muscle cramps and what about those headaches?
We can mistake our thirst for hunger.
Before you eat, drink two glasses of water to find out if you are that hungry.
Five: Rest
Most people ignore this one simple thing, and I will admit, I have been very guilty for many years. I do have my moments when I feel too exhausted to train. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE training. Training helps me deal with inner turmoil, and I always feel energetic and happy after every session. As I got older, I began to listen to my body more. Sometimes, It’s way too tired to push on, and I’m ok with that. I am working long and hard; then I write of an evening — not to mention all the motherly chores I do. It can become a lot. On the weekends, I have a bit of a sleep in and eat an excellent breakfast before training. Therefore, my weekend sessions are usually the best ones. Do what you can with the time you have, and rest on the days you can’t. It all balances itself out long term. These hacks were used and tested during my weight loss missions — and I’ve had a lot in my time. The most important part of weight loss is making it a lifestyle habit. Those days of drinking meal replacements shake instead of food is a thing of the past. Instead, nourish your body well, and lead it into exercise daily. That’s all you need to flourish and lead a wonderful and lean life. If you would like to read more articles like this or start writing your own, please sign up via my link. I’d love to see you on the other side. Sign up here for your medium subscription