Weight Loss Comes Down to this ONE Thing
If you're trying to lose weight, you have to restrict in some way. It's that simple. Sure, it would be nice to get something for nothing (i.e. without restriction), but how often does that work out in life?
Not often. Everything is a tradeoff. And weight loss is no exception.
WHAT SHOULD I RESTRICT TO LOSE WEIGHT?
The good news? You've got a few options.
Restriction can come through the number of calories consumed. This gives more flexibility to eat what you want, as long as you stay within a proper range of calories each day. (Yes, a caloric deficit range can be calculated for anyone attempting to lose weight. If you would like help coming up with yours, let me know!)
Restriction can also come in the form of a specific nutrient. You've probably seen examples of this in 'diets' that restrict or attempt to eliminate carbs or fat.
You can also rely upon the concept of caloric restriction. Basically, and in very simple form, eat what you want, just not too much.
There's also time restriction. Restrict or limit the amount of time that you allow yourself to eat through the day. Maybe your current eating window is 7am - 7pm, a 12-hr eating window. Restricting time would mean shrinking your eating window down to, for example, 9am-5pm, or an 8-hour eating window.
And then of course there's exercise. What are you giving up or restricting here? Once again, time. You can choose to exercise, or add in more exercise, but doing so requires you to give up something else you might be using that same time for.
WHICH METHOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS IS BEST FOR ME?
There is no easy answer for this. It depends. Everyone is different and what might work for someone else may not work for you.
So, a little trial and error can sometimes be required.
For our clients at Functional Elements who have weight loss as a goal, it begins with a two-part strategy session. One focused on nutrition. And one focused on training.
Through this strategy session we work together to develop an educated and strategic starting point of the best 'restriction' path forward. We'll watch progress closely and make tweaks as needed along the way.
CHOOSING THE WEIGHT LOSS PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE
In any scenario, you MUST find the path that is the least stressful, the least fatiguing, and do it day in and day out.
There is no other long-term approach available.
And remember, there are pros and cons to every approach. It's all about finding the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
But don't overcomplicate things. Basically, health and longevity can be boiled down to six areas:
1. Don't eat too much
2. Exercise
3. Don't smoke
4. Limit alcohol
5. Get enough sleep
6. Manage stress
Pretty straightforward. And you can see where the lesson of restriction comes into play with each of these six basic elements.
I hope this information is helpful. If you want more one-on-one guidance, let us know (it's what we do!). Our 14-day 360° is a great place to start!
As always,
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT.
