Weight Loss
Weight Loss Vs. Fat Loss
Weight loss is a particularly frustrating problem for millions of people. Understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss is the first step in achieving a sustainable solution. I will take the time and make the effort to avoid a temporary weight loss result, only to have that person gain back all or more of the weight. Understanding that using the scale as the main measure of success or failure is one of the biggest mistakes my clients make. The weight on the scale represents fat, muscle, and fluid. Fluid changes resulting from dehydration or water retention can look like a false weight loss or weight gain. Our goal is fat loss so why measure use the scale to measure progress?
Metabolic Damage
Understanding the root cause of weight loss is so much more than a diet or meal plan. The more times you gain and lose weight, the more you set up your body for metabolic damage. The frustration of going on a calorie restricting diet which is uncomfortable – after all – who wants to feel hungry and craving all the time? But the success of losing the weight feels so great. Unfortunately it doesn’t last. So many of my clients have lost weight and then gained it back and more. It’s so frustrating! This happens because your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) the calories you need every day for living like breathing, blood flow, etc. is regulated by the body. So that when a person restricts by calorie counting, the body slows it’s BMR so that what once allowed a person to eat 1800 calories for maintenance, they now only need 1500. This cycle repeats over and over – this is the metabolic damage that makes losing weight harder and harder as a person diets = regains weight – diets again. I can get you off the diet rollercoaster. This happens without hunger – I will never allow my clients to feel hungry as that is a battle you cannot win. Losing weight involves discipline and sometimes means getting uncomfortable. But it does not involve feeling starving or restricted.
My Weight Loss Strategy
I will review your health history and labs to see if there is anything that is preventing you from losing weight or feeling your best. It’s not just weight loss – it’s mood and energy that we want to improve.
I take weight loss seriously as it is such a day to day mental, physical, and health challenge for so many people. As I have struggled with my weight all my life – gone on and off all the fad, crazy, diets chasing success and finally figuring out the best diet and lifestyle for me – I can understand your weight loss struggles like no one else because I have lived them and achieved success for myself. I can do that for you through a complete diet and lifestyle overhaul. Listening to your weight loss history, what has worked for you (or not worked for you) in the past, and what your goals are. I will explain any health-related issues like how to interpret your labs – cholesterol, liver enzymes, iron status, and more. Working with me involves an initial consult where I will take your history, review your weight loss wins and fails, listen to your goals and review your lifestyle to see the best way to approach weight loss to reach your goals.
“Diets don’t work. You should never be hungry.”
Common Questions
How much weight can I lose in a week?
Looking at a goal of fat loss, not weight loss, it is possible to lose 1-2 pounds per week of fat – no more. The rest would be a fluid loss.
Can I just fast or do Intermittent Fasting to lose weight quickly?
The problem with heavy restriction whether it be from fasting or severe calorie restriction is that not only is not sustainable but it does more harm than good. While initial weight loss happens, it is not sustainable and ultimately creates metabolic damage.
Will exercise help me reach my weight loss goals?
Exercise is awesome and I encourage my clients to do both cardio and strength training. However, this is not what is responsible for weight loss. 80% or more of your success in weight loss will come from the food you eat (or don’t eat). The rest is lifestyle – exercise, sleep, stress, and hormones.
How does your coaching work?
I offer a package of that includes 5 coaching consults that I can do in person or virtually, or by phone. The initial consult is an hour and the follow-up consults are 30 minutes. In between I offer daily support via text and email.
How do I know if you are the best coach for me?
I offer a Free Nutrition Consult which is a 30 minute Discovery Call to see if we are a good fit for each other. My goal is to help my clients reach their health and weight loss goals in the most sustainable way!