This is a terribly common question we all ask ourselves once in a while. Some people ask it most days, some at the end of Christmas, some every six seconds.
Some don't ask themselves at all until suddenly they have a ring of fat around their middles in their forties that they are totally unfamiliar with and not entirely pleased to meet. This is often the hardest to lose as it is what we call 'visceral fat' and it lies deeper within the body, possibly caused by a fatty liver. This kind of fat can impair organ function and is often the onset of type 2 Diabetes.
Excess fat cells (adipose tissue) release 'cytokines' into the body which are pro inflammatory and disrupt the body's chemistry causing cells to mutate and degrade. Someone who is obese (and if you look at the charts, obese is actually not that big at all) will be at risk of developing a lot of nasty illnesses as the body is in a constant battle with itself (http://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/15/11/2792.abstract)
These alone are reasons to shift any excess weight before it thinks it is in charge, without even mentioning the lovely wardrobe of suits or skinny jeans people are hoarding in shame and desperate to get out. Imagine how those clothes feel? So abandoned.
But do not fret, your cast aways shall see the light of day again. Fat is one of those things that can be tackled easily with a few small steps.
Ok, so weight loss does differ depending on the individual but having a higher muscle mass is definately a good starting point to burning fat. So exercise is the first point of call. Some cardio, some resistance training. But definately about half an hour a day. Schedules are tough and it can be hard, so do what you can. Walking rather than taking the car or bus everywhere will make a massive difference.
We have an energy balance in the body which is relatively simple when you look at it crudely. We need to take out some calories and increase our activity to lose weight, it should be that simple. But some people have food addictions. Others have binge eating problems. Some have thyroid imbalances. Some people actually have slower metabolisms than others.
My advice for all of you is to start with a detox diet or full fast. This puts you on the right track by stripping your body of its cravings, giving you a head start in weight loss and giving you the positive boost you need to take that first step forward.
My Five Tips for Weight Loss with Food!
1. Keep your Sugar Levels Balanced to avoid cravings. Choose slow release carbohydrates like brown rice and other whole grains. Avoid white bread and rice and all refined pastries and snacks. They play havoc with your blood sugar and take away your control over what you eat with massive physical cravings. These foods use nutrients for your body to process without giving you any nutrients! This makes your body want more food to get nutrients into it.
2. Fresh Vegetables in salads or steamed can never do you any harm (as long as you wash them well). Use them in everything. Vegetable soup is a great weight loss tool, as are large abundant salads.
3. Green Smoothies with a good blend of greens and flax seed. The flax seed and greens slow the release of sugar from the drink and give you a good boost before the gym or mid morning.
4. Don't Avoid Fat. You need fat to transport hormones around the body. So your metabolism will be slowed down if you avoid all fat. Choose good fats in flax and other seeds, nuts, oily fish, avacado, olive and coconut oils.
5. Keep Active. Instead of flopping on the sofa try and do something active. Doing anything, however small, but staying active is still constantly burning calories. The TV is your worst enemy if you are trying to shift pounds, unless you are watching Mr Motivator on plasma widescreen (what a terrifying thought).
Be reassured that how ever long you have been battling a few extra pounds, you can definately make a difference with a few simple steps. Don't be too hard on yourself, you will get there, just take it one step at a time.
Here are some related posts that might interest you.
Detox with food:
http://therealfoodcoach.blogspot.com/2011/11/not-ready-for-full-detox-cleanse-your.html
Fasting Detox:
http://therealfoodcoach.blogspot.com/2011/05/detoxing-is-dangerous-necessary_15.html
Binge Eating:
http://therealfoodcoach.blogspot.com/2011/04/binge-eating-you-are-not-alone.html
Good Fat:
http://therealfoodcoach.blogspot.com/2010/10/fatit-not-all-bad.html
Good Luck.
Josie
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