The Ultimate Fat Loss Guide: A Step-By-Step Approach to Losing Fat and Keeping It Off
Learn the science, strategies, and best practices for successful and sustainable fat loss with this in-depth guide.
Embarking on a weight loss journey can be challenging, but understanding the fundamental principles behind fat loss and muscle retention can significantly affect your progress. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the science of losing fat while maintaining muscle and practical strategies for staying on track and ensuring long-term success. So, let's get started!
Recognizing When It's Time to Start Your Weight Loss Journey
Body Fat Percentage: A Crucial Indicator of Overall Health
Body fat percentage is a more accurate measure of overall health than weight alone. Generally, men should aim for 10-20% body fat, while women should target 18-28%. However, consider shedding some weight if your body fat exceeds these ranges.
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Why Should You Cut If You Are Above Those Numbers?
Beyond these numbers, insulin resistance and inflammation will increase, also increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, artery disease, and other health issues.
The optimal testosterone level for males is around 12-15% body fat, while the optimal estrogen level for females is about 22-25%.
Your sex hormone levels may decline when body fat gets too high (or too low), causing a range of problems, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced sex drive, weight gain, and fertility issues.
Assessing Your Performance and Well-Being: Objective and Subjective Signs
Evaluate factors such as energy levels, gym performance, and overall health to determine if it's time to focus on fat loss. Look for both objective and subjective signs that can indicate whether it's time to start losing fat. Objective signs are measurable, whereas subjective signs focus on how you feel.
Objective Signs That You Need to Start Losing Weight:
Males: Over 15-17% body fat (20% max)
Females: Over 25-27% body fat (30% max)
Subjective Signs That You Need to Start Losing Weight:
· You feel exhausted all-day
· Due to decreased insulin sensitivity, you experience reduced pumps at the gym
· Your hunger levels drop significantly
· You suffer from increased acid reflux
· You're constantly feeling bloated. You notice heightened inflammation
· Water retention makes you appear softer.
· Joint pain becomes more pronounced, potentially due to high body fat.
By considering both objective and subjective signs, you can make an informed decision about whether it's time to embark on your weight loss journey. Remember that each individual's path to better health is unique, so avoid comparing your progress to others.
Understanding Calories and Macronutrients
What Are Calories?
Calories are a measure of the energy we consume and are crucial for understanding energy balance, the balance between calories consumed versus calories burned. To achieve fat loss, it's essential to maintain a calorie deficit, meaning you burn more calories than you consume. Calories come from three primary sources: protein, carbohydrates, and fats (also known as macronutrients). Alcohol also contains calories.
Key Stats:
Protein: 1 gram = 4 calories
Carbohydrates: 1 gram = 4 calories
Fats: 1 gram = 9 calories
Alcohol: 1 gram = 7 calories
Macronutrients and Their Roles in Fat Loss
Protein
Essential for muscle maintenance and growth, protein also helps keep you full and aids in recovery.
General Recommendation:
Aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight or a minimum of 0.65 grams per pound for those who struggle with higher protein intake. For tough diets, target 1.15 grams per pound to minimize muscle loss.
Carbohydrates
They are your body's primary energy source, fuel intense workouts, and help replenish glycogen stores. Contrary to popular myths, carbohydrates do not directly cause weight gain—consuming too many calories does.
General recommendation:
Aim for 1 gram of carbohydrates per pound of body weight daily to support training.
Fats
Fats are essential for optimal sex hormone production, nutrient absorption, and overall health. However, they are calorie-dense, so moderation is key. Consuming too little dietary fat can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues. Opt for healthy sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
General recommendation
Aim for 0.3 grams of fat per pound of body weight daily to support overall health.
Exercise and Training for Fat Loss
Incorporating both cardiovascular exercise and resistance training will maximize fat loss and help preserve muscle mass. Resistance training preserves muscle mass and supports metabolism, while cardio helps create a calorie deficit and improves cardiovascular health.
· Cardiovascular Exercise
Include both LISS and HIIT cardio sessions for optimal results. Examples include walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, etc.
· Resistance Training
To retain muscle mass during a fat-loss phase, it's crucial to maintain an adequate training stimulus. Resistance training should be a priority, focusing on progressive overloading and using an appropriate volume and intensity. This will ensure that your muscles receive the necessary stimulus to maintain or even grow while you're shedding fat. Aim for 3-5 resistance training sessions per week.
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The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management, and Hydration
Adequate sleep, stress management, and hydration are crucial in successful fat loss.
· Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can lead to increased hunger, cravings, and decreased motivation to exercise. Quality sleep is essential for optimal fat loss and muscle retention. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your body's recovery processes and promote a healthy hormonal balance.
· Stress Management
Chronic stress can interfere with your body's ability to lose fat and maintain muscle. High cortisol levels, a stress hormone, can lead to muscle breakdown and fat storage. Incorporate stress-management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy to help manage stress levels and support your weight loss efforts.
· Hydration
Drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily. Proper hydration can help control appetite, boost metabolism, and support overall health.
Common Fat Loss Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure the success of your fat loss plan, it's essential to be aware of common mistakes people make during their weight loss journey. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
· Overestimating Calorie Burn:
Many people overestimate the number of calories burned during exercise and then eat more than they should. Use a fitness tracker or app to get a more accurate estimate of your calorie expenditure.
· Relying on Exercise Alone:
While exercise is crucial for fat loss, it's not enough on its own. A healthy diet is the foundation of any successful weight loss plan.
· Skipping Meals:
Skipping meals may seem like a quick way to cut calories, but it can lead to overeating later in the day. Instead, focus on consuming nutrient-dense meals and snacks throughout the day.
· Not Tracking Progress:
Regularly monitoring your progress helps you stay accountable and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Be sure to weigh yourself, take progress photos, and track measurements.
· Ignoring Non-Scale Victories:
Weight loss isn't the only marker of progress. Celebrate non-scale victories like increased energy levels, better sleep, improved mood, and more.
· Crash Dieting:
Extreme calorie restrictions or crash diets are unsustainable and can lead to muscle loss, slowed metabolism, and nutrient deficiencies. Focus on making long-term, sustainable changes to your eating habits instead.
· Neglecting Sleep and Stress Management:
Inadequate sleep and high-stress levels can hinder fat loss. Prioritize sleep and stress management as part of your overall plan.
· Unrealistic Expectations:
Set achievable goals and be patient with your progress. Rapid weight loss may lead to regaining the weight later, so aim for a slow and steady approach.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the steps outlined earlier, you can set yourself up for success in your fat loss journey.
Remember, fat loss is a gradual process that requires consistency and patience. Stay committed to your personalized plan, and you'll see lasting results. Click here to get more details.
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Keto Chocolate and Coconut Protein Balls. Coconut Milk, Sea Salt, Coconut Oil, Coconut Flour, Whey Protein Powder, Erythritol, Cocoa Powder, Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, Vanilla Extract, Almond Flour. These Keto Chocolate and Coconut Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack that are ideal for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. They are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for an energy boost or post-workout treat.
Then add code BACKONTRACK30 at checkout too 😉 ✅️ That's not my code, I got it from my Capital One shopping rewards, but it even works on those deal-of-the-week discounts!
my current favorite low-ish c@lorie safe foods + drinks, for anyone else struggling to eat 🥲
foods:
1. carrots - carrots are AMAZING if you want a quick snack or a side with a main meal! they’re incredibly nutrient dense with only 35 c@ls per 100 grams with a good amount of fiber and tons vitamin a. i boil them and add basil, parsley, a little pepper, and sugar free maple syrup, it’s sooo good and filling!
2. bean burritos - i heat up fat free refried beans in a pot with some salt, red pepper, paprika, chili powder, and taco sauce then add it to a low carb tortilla with fat free cheese. in total, it only comes out to be ≈200 (high estimate) per burrito PLUS 10g protein and 15g fiber (rough estimate) my favorite burrito place’s were over 500 c@ls per burrito… OH and these also make a lot so you can refrigerate and eat them later! however they can be high in sodium so drink tons of water. 👍
3. peanut butter powder - not a food BUT an amazing substitution for peanut butter when mixed with water! i use it to make pb&j (with keto bread and zero sugar preserves) and i also add it to my yogurt (with cocoa powder) and it’s super super yummy! 60 c@ls and 6g protein for 2 tbsp!
4. tomato soup - if you’re not already eating tomato soup WHAT ARE YOU DOING… 110 c@ls for a cup is insane! 😭 seriously one of my favorite foods ever.
5. two good smoothies - i buy these from walmart and i love them! 70 c@ls and 10g of protein for the whole bottle. although they’re small, i love the taste and will have one for lunch with some fruit and veggies.
drinks:
1. sparkling water - IT IS AN ADDICTION. sparkling ice has a bunch of good flavors! my favorites are cherry and strawberry starburst and classic lemonade! 5 c@ls with no sugar or carbs for the whole bottle… i was shocked.
2. zero sugar sweet tea - 0 c@ls and tastes just like regular sweet tea. 😋
3. coffee with zero sugar creamer - i cannot drink black coffee, it tastes terrible to me… i add a few tbsp of zero sugar creamer and it only ends up adding ≈45 cals.
My current goal is getting more protein into my diet while staying at a relatively low number of calories. This will require cutting out or restricting fats and carbs so that most or all of my calories come from protein. Below I will list the rules I have made myself for this diet as well as safe foods.
Rules:
Limit fat intake to less than 20% of daily intake or 30g
Under 60g of carbs or 20% of daily intake
This leaves 60% of intake to be protein
Limit daily intake to <800 calories
1 hour of exercise each day which contains cardio and weight training
Log all meals and activity, including steps, in journal
Drink 64 oz of water daily
Safe foods:
Canned and frozen tuna
Boiled egg
Low sodium turkey
Protein shakes and powders
Quest protein bars and other low carb protein bars
Chicken breast
Shrimp
Chicken broth
Sugar free energy drinks
Coffee and tea
Fiber and vitamin supplements
Sugar free jello
Sugar free popsicles
School yard snacks brand
Keto bread and tortillas
PB2 powder
Low cal condiments
Please feel free to drop your favorite high protein and/or keto foods and brands in the comments!
breakfast- 1/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup almond milk, scoop of vanilla protein powder, serving of collagen peptide powder, blackberries, espresso over ice (366 calories)
late night snack- 1 tbsp peanut butter on keto bread, quarter of a grapefruit, 4 olives, light creamy laughing cow wedge, nut thins (305 calories)
total: 1472 calories
this is what I ate for maintenance/slow muscle building as a 5 foot 3.5 woman who is trying to stay 115 lbs. Did not bike or lift today. 60 oz water daily.
There are lots of things I cannot eat. Including oats, peanuts, sweeteners, wheat AND gluten (not the same thing).
I used to love porridge with peanut butter and protein powder. Nope. Literally and figuratively.
I've been eating mixed nuts with a spray of olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Coupled with fresh apple and cinnamon. Very nice.
But fancied trying some "keto porridge".
So I've got a new amazon order on its way.
I already use collagen and inulin in other ways, but I'm throwing all these things together to see how it works as a hot breakfast. I'll add my half an apple and cinnamon into the mix. Maybe blueberries too. I also used to have those on my porridge.
It's all about trying new things. Working round what our biology, hormones and genetics throw at us from time to time!
It doesn't help my bank balance, lol. Just the cashew butter is a big jump up from much cheaper peanut butter, but I'll just have it as an occasional treat. A break from my usual breakfast.
Things from recovery that have made my relapse less miserable
✨I AM IN NO WAY PROMOTING 3D OR ENCOURAGING RELAPSE. I AM VERY MUCH PRO RECOVERY AND WOULD NEVER WISH THIS ON ANYONE✨
But considering I'm currently in relapse and it's a mental disorder and I can't stop any of you, let alone myself, remember to take care of yourselves
🍒 Intuitive Eating - This is probably 85% responsible for my relapse because practicing intuitive eating, I ate every time I was hungry BUT I didn't allow myself to overeat either and I didn't keep eating if I felt like I had too much. I just wanted till I got hungry again. This was like some crazy proof that you can have self control and don't have to binge. If you felt like you messed up with one meal, don't just keep wrecking yourself. Choose that moment to reset IMMEDIATELY instead of telling yourself you'll do it later or if you can have 1 more binge. I used to go in cycles of ⭐vation and then binge for a day to a point where I knew I couldn't fill myself up more but kept going anyway. I haven't had what I would consider a full blown binge in almost 5 months because I know I have control (granted I have overeaten a few times but I don't let myself continue to spiral)
🍒Keto Diet - When we were trying to figure out why everything I eat makes me sick, a keto diet was also test trialed to see if I had a carbohydrate intolerance and the take away from this is that guYS FRUIT HAS SO MANY CARBS it's literally natural sugar that gets converted to carbs and you're weight can just pack back on. I'm not saying don't eat fruit, please do!!! But you have GOT to balance it out with protein and veggies. Having a more savory breakfast, if I eat that morning, makes me last through the day longer than something with fruit or just letting all my meals be fruit. If I do eat fruit, it's a small portion snack or like a little apple sauce pouch situation (there are these things I get called Gutzys and they're just fruit and greens purees with probiotics and 1 pouch is less than 100 cals and they're super filling. I also find if I eat them super quick it helps fill me up and feel a little sick so I don't keep eating after having one.)
🍒 Supplements - PLEASE. FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING. TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. I take hair, skin, and nails to maintain biotin levels as well as probiotics because my digestive system is clinically wrecked. And as much as y'all are gonna hate this one, I also drink fiber. It really helps keep things moving and can debloat you too by keeping movement. I've also heard magnesium can help with sleep and bloating but I personally didn't have a difference taking it. Every body reacts differently.
🍒Cycle Syncing - For those of us still on a menstrual cycle, there's something to be said about cycle syncing and remembering that our bodies do go through change every month (ugh). The closer I get to my period, the more bloating I deal with and also find my digestive system is more sensitive. Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat pills actually really help with the hormonal bloating and I also find this time in my cycle is typically a good excuse for liquid fasting. Bone broths, miso, and diuretic/digestive teas (Dandelion Root/Ginger/Tumeric) are great. Magnesium levels can also drop a lot around this time and make us more susceptible to hunger and cravings, I find that making a low cal hot chocolate using ultra dark cocoa powder is the way to go. It can be slightly bitter to drink but babe get over it, you don't need added sugars. It helps replenish levels, can satisfy chocolate cravings, and the warm drink can help keep the digestive moving and reduce bloating.
🍒Spices - All I'll say, I got back into cooking and please guys. Use spices. Use salt, it has healthy minerals. I know we're not eating a lot but it doesn't have to taste like freaking cardboard. I never count calories in spices because it's slim to none anyways. If I didn't season my food, I'd probably be more wanting to cave and binge because the food is so bland I'm looking for something more tasteful to eat. Season your food, eat what little of it you want, you're satisfied and won't go looking for less boring food.
4 peices of McVitie's Marie Finger Biscuits 91 kcal
Justine's Keto Double Choc Dream Protein Brownie 231 kcal
1/12 cup of ceylon tea 0 kcal
2 tsp Nestle Sugar Free Hazelnut Coffee Mate 30 kcal
total kcal: 352 kcal i fucked up dam. i think i sort of ate like a normie/binged-ish today
Dinner:
120 g Okinawa Sweet Potato 75 kcal
1 tsp Al Rabwa Palestine Olive Oil 40 kcal
1 tsp Crystal Farms Parmesan Cheese 25 kcal
1 tsp Samyang Buldak Hot Chili Chicken Flavor Sauce 15 kcal
1 tsp Shan Black Pepper Powder 16 kcal
1.5 tsp Shan Garlic Powder 15 kcal
21g of Plein Soleil Original Kashkaval Cheese Slice ≈100 kcal
105g Tomato 22 kcal
total kcal: 308 kcal this ufkcing sucks ass
i also had some meat bc my mother offered me some from her plate. i thought it was organs but it was a peice of flesh torn from the mutton rib, and this oat cookie. gettign back on track is gonna take a while but i beleive it will be smooth and swift.
i am fairly on track. but i have noticed my rate of weight loss has slowed down since i came back from my eid vacation (i left the city and me and my partner and our friends stayed at a hotel). Also, i want to keep my metabolism flexible. so i think i'm gonna bring back an old rule: saturday 7pm to sunday 7pm fasting and normal eating (no cal counting) on saturdays (until 7pm). no exercises anymore except; non aerobic excercises, wall sits and squats. i eat protein and fat based foods; reduce carb intake on regular days.
total kcal (w/o couting anything after dinner): 797 kcal