Weight Loss

[lotti139]

The issue I have is I need to loose weight, but with so many diet options available it's hard to know where to start! From weight watcher, slimming world, calories and the natural paleo diet, plus being a vegetarian which is the best route to follow. Is it a question of choosing one and sticking too it? Exercise of course I know and understand is key.

Any advice?

[Jessie Pavelka]

The issue I have is I need to loose weight, but with so many diet options available it's hard to know where to start! From weight watcher, slimming world, calories and the natural paleo diet, plus being a vegetarian which is the best route to follow. Is it a question of choosing one and sticking too it? Exercise of course I know and understand is key.

Any advice?

You have to make it a life style. If you keep searching for the next best thing,, you will find yourself wanting. Focus on what you need and what your body needs. It is a very simple thing, eating well and exercising, but we make it harder than what it needs to be. Find a practical approach and stick to it. Remember, food is here to nourish and fuel your body not take away any unwanted emotions or be a filler for boredom. We are in an exciting time when information is readily available to us via the internet, but unfortunately so is food (not via the internet, but via convenience). Educate yourself on the foods and recipes that work best for you and adapt them into your life. I hope this helps and thanks for the question.

[Gary Turner]

OK - let's change the way you think.

Long term those who diet are most likely to end up with more weight than they started. This is supported by systemic reviews by organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). I wouldn't get my clients to diet at all - too many physiological and psychological effects to make you fail long term!

Losing weight is about setting the right environment within your body for burning fat and not storing it. This is a clever little dance between insulin and glucagon together with many other hormonal and physiological reactions. Losing weight isn't straight forward - it is NOT about eating less and moving more!

If you take too little energy in, or use too much energy, your metabolism will slow so you hold your weight. If you take too much energy in your metabolism will speed up to burn it. Your body is looking for balance.

Weight loss is not straight forward. Someone like myself or Jesse will be able to help - though please bear in mind that most trainers won't understand the true nature of weight loss. Everyone is an individual - there is no 'one size fits all'.

Eating wise eat animal produce (meat, fish, poultry, dairy if you aren't intolerant), non-root vegetables, salads, berries, mushrooms and nuts. Cut back on all other carbs - they aren't an essential nutrient, and by eating more of this list you'll be getting enough carbs. This isn't 'low carb', it's right carb. If you are finding yourself needing more add in non-tropical fruits too. If you are an athlete or highly active then low GI carbs can be added in, and specialist advice should be sought.

If you want long term sustainable weight loss - to naturally and systematically simply return to your ideal weight according to your genes, here's the simple advice.

"Eat when hungry, and only when hungry. Stop eating when no longer hungry - never when 'full'. Learn to listen to your body and eat what your body wants to eat. Never eat for emotional needs."

Your body has a 'set point' of the ideal weight. If you try and force it you'll have problems. Following my quote above, you'll learn to work with your body - and get the results without the problems.

This of course is just a simple post, with simple information - hopefully helping you think a little. It assumes no medical issues or other such elements. Consulting an appropriate professional such as myself or Jesse would be adviced for best results.

[lotti139]

Thank you so much for replying, it really is appreciated x

[Gary Turner]

Pleasure Lottie, it's what we're here for

Have a good think on the advice given, and if you have any questions or need further direction, just ask away!

Kind regards,

Gary